Arsene Wenger has stated that he has considered signing Dimitri Payet for Arsenal on a number of occasions in the past, but opted against landing the Frenchman before he moved to West Ham.
The former Marseille playmaker has been in inspired form this season, leading the Hammers to a top-four push and arguably representing the best summer signing of the entire Premier League.
As such, the 29-year-old is being linked with a move to a host of top European clubs and is set to star for France at Euro 2016.
Wenger has admitted that he could have made a move for Payet when he was still playing in Ligue 1, but opted against the decision.
“He was a top talent, always, but had periods of being up and down,” Sky Sports quote him as saying.
“I’ve looked at him many times. I’ve known him for a long time. He played at Saint-Etienne and we watched him many times.
“I think he has all the attributes to be a top player, which he is, but he’s 29-years-old already. He’s matured a lot and come back into the national team, which shows he was more consistent.”
Arsenal fans will surely be frustrated with Wenger’s comments, as having a player of Payet’s quality in the Gunners ranks this season would surely have boosted the North London club’s chances of winning the title for the first time since 2004.
