‘We didn’t need him!’ – Arsene Wenger reveals Arsenal turned down the chance to sign West Ham star Dimitri Payet

Arsene Wenger has revealed Arsenal scouted Dimitri Payet - before he joined West Ham.

The Frenchman has taken the Premier League by storm since joining the Hammers from Marseille last summer in a £10million deal.

However, Wenger has now revealed that Arsenal looked at Payet too but opted not to sign him due to the attacking talents already at the club.

"I have known him for a long, long time. He played in St-Etienne and we watched him many times," said Wenger.

"I think he has all the attributes to be a top, top player but he is 29-years-old already. I had these kind of players, we had no need [to sign him].

"Historically we have always had a great number of creative players. We have [Mesut] Ozil, [Jack] Wilshere, [Santi] Cazorla, [Aaron] Ramsey."

The free-kick specialist, who was recently recalled to the France squad, will bid to continue his fine form against the Gunners on Saturday.