EPL transfer rumour: Paris Saint-Germain wants to sign West Ham star Dimitri Payet in January
Ligue 1 Champions, Paris Saint-Germain are reportedly interested in signing Dimitri Payet from West Ham United in the upcoming winter transfer window. The French star has seen his stock rise ever since his arrival in the Premier League and was considered one of the best signings last summer.
However, when Payet was recently questioned about his future, he simply stated, “Until now, I always chose my clubs depending on the sports project. I work like that. Until I can play at a level like this, it will be the case. Go to Paris Saint-Germain or [return to] Marseille? For now, they have not come to me, so I do not ask myself.”
Having reinvigorated the Hammers, Payet went on to play an important role for his national side as well in the Euros as he helped the French team reach the finals of the tournament. En route to the final, the midfielder did his bit by chipping in with 3 goals and an equal number of assists. In fact, Payet’s success in the Euros has also seen him make the long list for the Ballon d’Or.
According to reports in the British media, namely Daily Mirror, Payet has been the subject of interest from several clubs in Europe. This development, in fact, has led to West Ham boss, Slaven Bilic setting out a date to hold “crunch talks” with the influential playmaker.
Dazzling form and return to homeland
The French forward may not have hit the heights of last season but is still contributing to the Hammers team. The Frenchman already has 5 assists to his name while netting twice as West Ham look to build on their 7th place finish last season.
However, things haven’t moved according to plan for the French international as reports have emerged about the player’s frustration with the team’s form. While it is still early days, reports linking him to the French club are bound to unsettle him.
The London club on their part has shown their willingness to communicate with their playmaker. Although, Payet recently signed a new five-and-a-half year deal worth £125,000-a-week in January, tension with the fans and the continued inconsistency of the team has led to the Frenchman training his sights elsewhere.
Payet after the Stoke City game did accept that the team has made a bad start to the season but reiterated the importance of improving as a team in order to propel the club up the Premier League table.
Nevertheless, the option for the Frenchman to return to his homeland on a super-bumper deal is an attractive proposition. Also given the fact that the Frenchman is already 29 may to a certain extent play a part in his decision. When asked for a clearer response to the future, the Frenchman conclude by stating, “I've always said I'm an ambitious person, so I don't close the door to anything but, in October, it's not even a question for me.”
More Football news, transfer rumours, analysis, and features at Sportskeeda.com