Euro 2016: Can West Ham really hold onto Dimitri Payet this summer?

Let’s face it, although Atletico Madrid’s Antoine Griezmann has arguably stolen the vast majority of the spotlight for France at Euro 2016 with six well taken goals so far this tournament, Dimitri Payet of West Ham United has certainly experienced a competition to remember thus far – especially throughout the group-stage rounds among Didier Deschamps’ chosen starting XI.

 

There was indeed a time in which the 29-year-old Frenchman was previously considered surplus to requirements within the first team squad for France this season, but after registering a series of electrifying performances and superbly taken goals for that matter, Dimitri Payet must now represent one of the standout names for France upon the international scene.

 

Such a dramatic turn of events has subsequently left some speculating over whether or not Payet will still be in place for the Hammers next season however…

 

Not seeing Payet staying at West Ham this summer. ??

— Michael Jh James (@MichaelJhJames) 7 July 2016

 

…especially on the back of his recent run of games for France at Euro 2016…

 

Payet will be in the final! If France win this tournament, we are going to have one of the best players about! pic.twitter.com/YjZ3cIFmOD

— Zaman Siddiqui (@ZamanWHU) 7 July 2016

 

Others have nonetheless seen the recent speculation as nothing more than hot air within the grand scheme of things…

 

Noble on Payet staying "I think he will. I've been in contact with him over the summer & he loves the football club" pic.twitter.com/3Ape9bfHGa

— West Ham Social (@WestHamSocial) 23 June 2016

 

…which seemingly makes a great deal of sense regarding how much the hotly coveted Frenchman would actually cost his potential suitors this summer…

 

Payet too expensive at this age though

— goz (@GoziemO) 15 June 2016

 

Yet as Real Madrid have supposedly registered an interest in signing the Euro 2016 star in recent weeks…

 

Madrid wants Payet and Kante instead of Pogba so I am told .

— MUFC EXCLUSIVE NEWS (@MufcinNews) 1 July 2016

 

…surely it will be tough for the Hammers to hold out one way or another…

 

David Gold saying if Madrid or Barca come in for Payet will be hard not to sell him

Stop talking just stop talking

— ⚒ VIVE LA FRANCE ⚒ (@WestHamLondon) 4 July 2016

 

So then, even though Payet’s own agent has apparently distanced his client away from a big money move this summer…

 

Payet will remain at West Ham next season and is “happy in London”, according to his agent Jacques-Olivier Auguste. pic.twitter.com/vfoSIoBvrf

— West Ham Forum (@WestHam_Forum) 2 July 2016

 

…this one simply won’t be over until the fat lady sings!