Reports that Arsenal are after West Ham’s Dimitri Payet have spread to the foreign press.

The claims appear to have started with the Sun in the UK. However, the likes of Calciomercato are now reporting that the 29-year-old wants a change, given his ‘lacklustre’ performances for the Hammers so far this season.

Payet is contracted with West Ham until 2021 having signed a new bumper deal in February earlier this year apparently earning him £125,000 a week and just days ago it was reported that the east London club want to tie him down to an even better deal, well and truly securing his future with the team.

So, do Arsenal really want West Ham’s star player?

The France international enjoyed a superb season last term.

MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - NOVEMBER 27: Dimitri Payet of West Ham United (L) takes the ball past Ander Herrera of Manchester United (R) during the Premier League match between Manchester United and West Ham United at Old Trafford on November 27, 2016 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Clive Brunskill/Getty Images)
MANCHESTER, ENGLAND – NOVEMBER 27: Dimitri Payet of West Ham United (L) takes the ball past Ander Herrera of Manchester United (R) during the Premier League match between Manchester United and West Ham United at Old Trafford on November 27, 2016 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Clive Brunskill/Getty Images)

He scored nine Premier League goals and assisted 12, helping his team finish seventh in the league, just one point behind Southampton in sixth and four behind Manchester City in fourth.

This season, however, Payet is yet to get out of second gear, only scoring once in 11 appearances. Although, he’s still managed six assists.

Speaking ahead of Arsenal’s clash against West Ham, Arsene Wenger defended Payet’s form.

“[Criticism of Payet is] Not really [fair] because Payet is, even for France, one of the star players,” he said.

“He has fulfilled his potential maybe a bit late in his career. West Ham were certainly one of the triggers for him, to come into English football, to have to adapt and show that he has potential. Not only did he convince everybody in England last year that he’s a top-class player, but through those performances he also won his place in his national team’s European Championship squad.”

I don’t really see us seriously going for Payet, especially not in January. Nor do I see West Ham parting with their star player without us forking out a fortune, which he isn’t worth.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WA88eZxS4Ck