Mohamed Diame keen to join Arsenal

Mohamed Diame has told close friends he is keen to complete a move to Arsenal this week.

The West Ham midfielder, who is trying to force through a move before the transfer window closes on Thursday, infuriated manager Sam Allardyce by turning up late for a team meeting last week.

Allardyce had called the 7am meeting to dress down his players after a lacklustre performance resulting in a 5-1 drubbing against Arsenal.

With every other player on time for the early-morning meeting, Diame eventually arrived at the Hammers' Chadwell Heath training base an hour late.

Allardyce seems to have conceded defeat again to Arsenal, with the Gunners set to trigger a £3.5million release clause for the Senegalese midfielder.

Arsenal may have to fight of late competition from north London rivals Tottenham, who could make a bid before the window closes.