Transfer Latest: Arsenal Could Still End Up With Diame While Spurs Are In The Race Too

The future of West Ham midfielder Mohamed Diame has been shrouded in doubt for the majority of the January window, as the midfielder’s impressive performances this season has attracted interest from some of the league’s top clubs. 

Diame, 25, signed for the Hammers as a free agent, with a reported release clause of £3.5million, however its been revealed that it is in-fact ‘considerably higher’ than what is being reported. Arsenal have been linked with a move for most of the window, but over the last week or so, Tottenham have joined the race for Diame, following reports of potential departures of midfielders Tom Huddlestone, Jake Livermore & Scott Parker, and the long term injury to Sandro. 

Talking on the situation West Ham manager Sam Allardyce, said: 

‘It is total confusion, I’m as confused as anyone. I hope we don’t, but we might lose him.’ he continued. 

Diame has been vital to West Ham this season, they are a different team when he plays, the driving force behind their play, and has undoubtedly been their player of the season, and in a way, owe’s it to the club to stay until at least the end of the season, for taking the chance on him, following his release by Wigan. 

Arsene Wenger has not hidden the fact that he is impressed by Diame, and may look to snatch him at the very end, but it’s commonly known that there have been no offers to date for the midfielder. Today’s press conference with Wenger saw the manager ruling out the signature of David Villa and with just over two days to go, it’s going to go down to the wire. 

Other news around the transfer market: 

• Tottenham are refusing to give up on £8million-rated Hamburg striker Heung-Min Son. Spurs have been encouraged in their pursuit of the South Korea international with HSV failing to convince Son to discuss new terms this month.
• Chelsea’s transfer target may leave the club this week. Toulouse midfielder Etienne Capoue has been linked with Chelsea various times this season and reportedly he wants a move away from his team. He told L’Equipe: “I want to play in the Champions League, and face the best teams in the continent. Toulouse cannot offer me that this season. I want to leave. It’s not that I’m not happy at Toulouse, but I want to progress, pass a course and integrate as quickly as possible in the France team.”
• Man Utd, Arsenal linked as English offer arrives for PSV’s Strootman.
• Chelsea defender Bruma unsure of Hamburg stay