Arsenal are amongst a group of interested parties at risk of being left disappointed as Marseille have launched a £30m bid for former star Dimitri Payet.
As reported by The Daily Star last month, the Gunners and Manchester United were paired with an interest in the French international amid growing doubts over his future at West Ham United.
Although his level of performance has dipped this season, there is no denying the quality that Payet brings to the table, and so it comes as no surprise that there is a great deal of interest in signing him should he leave the London Stadium.
Nevertheless, it will come as a huge shock to many to see his former club Marseille linked with a move to take him back to France, with L’Equipe reporting that they are ready to launch a £30m bid this month.
The 29-year-old has gone to the next level since his move to England, as he dazzled in the Premier League last season and was a star at Euro 2016 last summer.
However, things have been a little more difficult for him this season as the Hammers continue to struggle, and so in turn it has led to speculation that he might have to move on with a move to Arsenal an obvious option given their desire for more creative quality and his ability to fit into their style of play.
Meanwhile, the contrast can be seen in statistics alone, as Payet contributed 15 goals and 17 assists in 44 appearances in all competitions last season, while this year after 20 games, he has just three goals and eight assists.
West Ham’s form has picked up in recent weeks and they have moved away from the relegation zone, much to the relief of Slaven Bilic and his players.
Regardless though, with the club failing to match the ambition of Payet and seemingly now struggling to get the best out of him, a return to Marseille, who have an ambitious project for the future with new ownership, could now appeal to him.