New Hammers manager David Moyes is a huge fan of the hard-working Cherries midfielder and has made him a key target for January.
The West Ham manager believes the squad he inherited from Slaven Bilic is weak in central midfield, and is looking to bring reinforcements.
Republic of Ireland star Arter has been in and out of Eddie Howe’s struggling side this season, starting only 10 League games so far. The energetic midfielder only signed a new four-year contract in July, but Bournemouth could be ready to sell as they need to recoup funds.
West Ham made an initial inquiry for Arter this week but were rebuffed. However Moyes, determined to get his man, is set to go back in when the window opens.
Moyes wants to bring in three or four new players, with Sporting Lisbon midfielder William Carvalho another target.
New defenders are also on his shopping list, with West Ham ready to bid £20m fpr Swansea centre-back Alfie Mawson.
Rebel striker Diafra Sakho, who rowed with Moyes over lack of games before the Carabao Cup defeat at Arsenal in midweek, wants to quit, but the Scot will not let the forward, rated at £15m, go until he has secured a replacement.
West Ham could climb as high as 12th with a win over Newcastle today and the club’s owners have been hugely impressed with the job Moyes has done so far.
But he insists any talks over a new contract are on hold until the summer – and hinted if he does stay he would only sign another short-term deal anyway.
He said: “I’m happy. I’m telling you now I won’t be talking about it with the club or anybody until the end of the season when we’re up or down or wherever.
“I want to prove what I can do, I want to see if I’m a fit for the club and if the club think I’m a fit for them as well. That’s what I’m trying to do.”