Arsene Wenger has admitted he has watched Dimitri Payet many times in the past.
Payet has been a revelation for the Hammers following his summer arrival from Marseille, with his WhoScored rating (7.73) the joint-second best in the Premier League this season.
Wenger will have the chance to watch his compatriot up close againthis weekend as West Ham host Arsenal in Saturday's early kick off.
And the Frenchman has admitted he has scouted the free-kick specialist numerous times in the past.
"I looked at him many times. I’ve known him for a long, long time," said Wenger, ahead of Saturday's London derby with quotes attributed to talkSPORT.
"He played a few years in St Etienne. He has all the attributes to be a top, top player. In fact he already is."
For more stats on Dimitri Payet, click here to view his WhoScored player page
