The West Ham United winger has flattered to deceive since his summer switch.
West Ham United winger Marko Arnautovic has told German publication Kurier that he is going nowhere in January, but could that give the Austrian just six months to secure his long-term future at the London Stadium?
After all, as unlikely as it is for the Hammers to cash in on a summer signing after just a few months, he cannot afford to under-perform for the remainder of the campaign, especially with the club’s top fight future resting on their experienced players pulling their weight.
Arnautovic has not come close to justifying his price tag thus far and, unless things take a considerable turn under new manager David Moyes, he could force the West Ham board’s hand next summer.
They cannot afford to have too many under-performing, over-paid players in their ranks and it will be interesting to see who ups their game in the months ahead.
West Ham is a club with a rich history and the potential to get back to their glory days with the right guidance and the players all pulling in the same direction.
For now Arnautovic is likely to be safe, but he needs to start scoring and creating on a regular basis, with no goals, two assists and one red card in first nine appearances not exactly what the club were hoping for when they signed him from Stoke City.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
