Marko Arnautovic’s agent told talkSPORT today that the West Ham star wants to leave the Premier League and move to China this month.
Danijel Arnautovic, the Austria international’s brother and representative, has confirmed that an unnamed Chinese club have tabled a £35million bid for the 29-year-old forward.
West Ham have responded by insisting their star man ‘is not for sale’ but Danijel claims that it is his client’s ‘great desire’ to go.
Arnautovic has been one of the Hammers’ best players this season so what impact could his exit have and who could replace him?
Marko Arnautovic – West Ham star’s stats this season
Arnautovic has made 15 Premier League appearances this term, scoring seven goals and assisting two more in the top-flight.
Of the 34 shots he’s taken, 21 have been on target and he’s made 18 successful dribbles.
He has made a total of 397 passes with a success rate of 74 per cent and has produced 22 key passes.
Marko Arnautovic – How does he compare to West Ham’s other key attackers?
Javier Hernandez has scored four and assisted three in 14 Premier League outings while Felipe Anderson has eight goals and three assists in 21 top-flight games.
Of the Hammers’ other main strikers, Lucas Perez has netted twice in the top-flight this term while Andy Carroll is yet to open his account.
The likes of Robert Snodgrass, Michail Antonio and Andriy Yarmolenko have also contributed with goals and assists (6 goals and 8 assists combined).
Liverpool forward Divock Origi could join West Ham
Marko Arnautovic – Who could replace star at West Ham?
West Ham are being linked with a host of potential targets amid the ongoing uncertainty surrounding Arnautovic.
Two loan options included Liverpool’s out-of-favour striker Divock Origi and Manchester United attacking midfielder Andreas Pereira.
If the Hammers want to buy this month, Nantes’ £15million forward Emiliano Sala and £20million-rated Blackburn star Bradley Dack could be options.
Marko Arnautovic – What did West Ham star’s agent say
Danijel Arnautovic’s statement to talkSPORT read: “West Ham bought Marko for peanuts. They paid £20million for him, which is nothing in the current market.
“They bought him to keep them in the Premier League last season and he did that. He took every award at the club; best player, signing of the season and the players’ award.
“Now West Ham have a fantastic offer. It is close to double what they paid for him.
“He wants to go to a new market and challenge for titles. This is what he wants. It is his great desire that West Ham accept the offer from China.”
Marko Arnautovic – What have West Ham said?
A West Ham statement read: “Marko Arnautovic has a contract and we fully expect him to honour it. He is not for sale.”
Hammers manager Manuel Pellegrini added at his Thursday media conference: “We know that we have in Marko a very good player, so maybe a lot of clubs may want him to play for their team, but he’s a player of West Ham.
“Marko and the other players involved in the rumours have their heads here, they want to continue the way they’re playing.
“I’m sure he’ll have his head in the game against Arsenal (on Saturday, live on Sky Sports).
“Players of his quality and other players like Declan Rice, Felipe Anderson – other clubs will want them, but that is one thing. I don’t think they will go.
“I want to keep him, of course, but you never know what might happen in the future.”
