OPINION
West Ham fans will have been fretting on Wednesday after claims from Marko Arnautovic’s brother that the striker may look to leave the London Stadium.
Speaking to Austrian outlet Kurier, Danijel Arnautovic, who also acts as his agent, said: “He’s a big part of West Ham’s team but I think it’s possible to tease out more of him. For that to happen, he has to play for a top team. Marko is ready for the next step.”
When asked if the 29-year-old could leave the club in January, Danijel replied: “That’s possible. It was already very, very close this last summer.”
While Arnautovic has been in scintillating form for the Hammers over the past season or so, the potential for him leaving for a bigger club will always have been in the back of people’s minds.
The Austria international has always been an ambitious player, and it is usually the desire of top players to play for the top teams and compete against the best in the world.
While there is an argument to be had that he is doing just that at the London Stadium, the lack of Champions League football in east London is a glaring issue.
However, the 29-year-old has now himself issued a response of sorts to the speculation, with the striker posting a comment on Instagram in response to a post from a West Ham fan.
While Arnautovic’s comment is not very long, the message is clear.
He is clearly enjoying his time at the club and has no intentions of leaving the London Stadium in the January window, meaning that Hammers fans can rest easy on his future.
His connection with the fans, as evidenced by his celebrations after scoring, is stronger than ever, and this is a player who will not abandon ship mid-season.
