West Ham United striker Marko Arnautovic will not be leaving the club in the current transfer window, according to Claret and Hugh.
C&H – a reliable source of news on the Hammers – has reported on their website that despite their wantaway star being linked to an imminent exit to the Chinese Super League, the Austrian will not be sold under any circumstances this month.
The report adds that the mainstay’s contract – who has made 18 appearances in all competitions – will be looked at again in the summer, when he may be offered a new deal to keep him out of China’s clutches.
OPINION
What a relief this news will be to the West Ham fans! A recent report had said that proposed move to China was set to happen by the end of this week, but this news has certainly restored any hope lost upon what fans thought was his imminent departure. This also means that the Irons will not need to panic-buy a new forward in this transfer window after all, which means a huge weight has been lifted off Manuel Pellegrini’s shoulders. Preparing for life without Arnautovic would have been very difficult indeed, and now that task is out of the picture, West Ham can focus on preserving a top ten finish in the Premier League this season. The fact that Arnautovic’s contract may be reviewed in the summer means that the clubs are bracing themselves for renewed bids from China – so do not be surprise if they offer him a deal that he cannot refuse. Fans will have their fingers crossed that he does perform for the rest of the term, despite the move not happening.
