Reports are linking Marko Arnautovic with a move to Serie A and AS Roma from West Ham United.
It’s not said whether this is West Ham wanting to move the player on or Arnautovic himself looking to get a move himself, but either way – this isn’t good news for fans.
Arnautovic’s performances were an enormous reason that the club eventually pulled away from relegation last season and losing him undoubtedly sets them back, although selling him to Italy is certainly a plus point here.
West Ham are building something this summer as they repeatedly broke their transfer record (set last season with their purchase of Arnautovic from Stoke City) to bring in several exciting players.
What they don’t need right now is competition and with the Austrian proving last season that he can be a hugely positive influence on a club, selling him to a Premier League rival would make them a far bigger threat to the European places.
But seeing Arnautovic move to Italy removes that possibility, and even if it’s for less money, selling him outside of the Premier League makes it an immeasurably better deal for the Hammers.
Losing their best player will hurt West Ham, but some ways are more painful than others.
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