Arsenal Transfer News: Dimitri Payet Interest Reported, Latest Gunners Rumours

Arsenal are reportedly ready to make a move for West Ham United star Dimitri Payet in the January transfer window.

According to Wally Downes Jr. of the Sun, if the Hammers are still battling in the lower reaches of the table when the market opens, manager Arsene Wenger is ready to sanction a pursuit for the France international.

In the report, it's noted that Wenger has been an admirer of Payet since 2011; he lauded his skills ahead of the Premier League clash with West Ham on Saturday.

"Payet is now even in France one of the star players, he has realised a bit late in his career and fulfilled his potential," said the veteran coach, per the same source.

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Last term, the former Marseille man dazzled. From the left flank, he would float infield with menace for West Ham, leaving defenders rooted with his quick feet and powerful running. Additionally, there aren't many players more dangerous than Payet standing over a dead ball anywhere in the game.

This season, there have been questions about the player's attitude, with West Ham down in 16th place in the table. Indeed, former Arsenal and Hammers man Paul Merson recently said, per Sky Sports: "He needs to make sure West Ham have a good season. Then, at the end of the season, he could get his move. He looks like he's putting himself first rather above West Ham Football Club."

Despite failing to find his very best form early in the 2016-17 season, these numbers from Squawka Football sum up just how much of a creative force Payet has been for the Hammers this year:

There's no doubting the talent of 29-year-old, and when he was at the creative crux of the West Ham team last term, he was one of the most exciting players in the Premier League. However, in a team that needs to dig in and grind out results, he'll be less effective—as is the case at the moment.

Arsenal would definitely cater for his intricate skills, and the Frenchman would surely relish the chance to move to a club in the UEFA Champions League.

However, he signed a new five-year deal with West Ham in February, and consequently, the club are under no pressure to cash in.

Arsenal to Activate Santi Cazorla Clause

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According to Sami Mokbel of MailOnline, Arsenal are ready to activate a 12-month extension to Santi Cazorla's contract despite his recent injury trouble.

As noted in the piece, the Spain international is set for a three-month stint on the sidelines in what is a major blow to the Gunners.

"Talks over whether the Gunners will exercise the clause begin next month but Wenger has hinted that he wants Cazorla to stay beyond the end of the season," the report continued.

Cazorla's contract is set to run out in the summer, but such is his importance to the Arsenal cause, it would be no surprise to see the club extend his stay at the Emirates Stadium.

These numbers from the Guardian's Ed Aarons show just how crucial he is:

The 31-year-old has been a wonderful player for the Gunners since he joined in 2012. Initially, he played as one of the three attacking midfield men behind a centre-forward, although as time has passed, he's retreated into a deeper role.

Despite his diminutive stature, the former Villarreal and Malaga man has dictated games for the Gunners, using his technical qualities to shine in what are so often brutish midfield battles in the Premier League. Provided he can stay fit, Cazorla can be a big asset to Arsenal for years yet.