Arsenal manager Arsenal Wenger has revealed that he wanted to sign West Ham sensation Dimitri Payet from Olympique Marseille. The France international is well-known for his pin-point free-kicks and great composure behind the ball, something that has made him a darling of many Premier League fans. During a pre-match interview, Le Proff said:
''Many times, I have known him for a long, long time. When he played at St Etienne he played there for a few years and we watched him many times. He has all the attributes to be a top, top player and is that in fact.
''He is 29-years-old already, but this season he has matured a lot as he has come back into the national team when he looked to be out. That shows he has been much more consistent.
''He has always had top talent, even when in periods he has been a bit up and down. But he has been very consistent.''
WATCH: Five things you need to know about West Ham vs Arsenal clash:
The 64-year-old then explained the main reason why he did not make a move for the 29-year-old freekick wizard:
'We had this kind of player and we had no need (to sign more)
''Historically we always had a great number of creative players — we had Mesut Ozil, Santi Cazorla, Jack Wilshere, Aaron Ramsey — they are all offensive players and I've certainly forgotten a few, so we had the numbers.''
Arsene Wenger is not new to such claims of his intentions to sign Premier League superstars. Earlier this year, he confessed that he also wanted to sign Leicester City star Riyad Mahrez during his time at the French league. He also admitted to have monitored Man United sensation Anthony Martial before the former Monaco man made his move to Old Trafford.
However, a section of Arsenal fans took to social media to air their anger and frustrations towards the French manager, who has a solid reputation of admiring players from a distance, and doing very little to approach them. Here are some of the best Twitter:
Wenger also "had a look" at Payet. Lol, mmkay
— Seth (@kevin_seth) April 7, 2016
So payet is another player Wenger said he's looked at but never signed how many more Arsene?oh but it's okay we have flamini and arteta
— Adam Campbell (@AdzCampbell91) April 7, 2016
Another player that Wenger "nearly signed"... #Payet
— Follow Football (@F0LLOWFOOTBALL) April 7, 2016
Arsene Wenger admits longstanding interest in Dimitri Payet up until West Ham move
— Cantona's Kick (@Burnhard72) April 7, 2016
He almost signed him ya know!
Wenger on Payet: "I looked at him many times." pic.twitter.com/mJ3YA1eg7z
— B• (@martialology) April 7, 2016
Payet now. Wenger is excellent at not signing players and then discussing it.
— modn world (@what2weeks) April 7, 2016
Lmao Wenger na clown. Payet isnt consistent, coming from a man that coaches Arsenal.
— 6göd (@Pxlvmi_) April 7,
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