West Ham striker Marko Arnautovic is apparently a target for Premier League duo Chelsea and Everton – could he leave the London Stadium?
West Ham United fans have been given some unwelcome news during the international break with the future of talisman Marko Arnautovic suddenly up in the air.
Just a year-and-a-half after joining The Hammers from Stoke in a club-record £25 million deal, the forward’s agent and brother told Gianluca di Marzio that his client could be tempted by a move away from the London Stadium as he enters his peak years.
Danijel Arnautovic claimed that Everton and Chelsea are both chasing the former Inter Milan and Werder Bremen striker, who is apparently hopeful of claiming silverware that appears to be beyond the reach of Manuel Pellegrini’s Hammers.
And, speaking to talkSPORT (19 November, 8am) ex-West Ham striker Dean Ashton has given his view on the situation – and admits that he couldn’t blame Arnautovic if he wanted to test himself at the highest possible level while he’s in the form of his life.
“He’s got way more power and pace and the runs he makes are superb and he’s a better finisher than I thought he was at Stoke,” Ashton said.
“I think he has got that ability to go to the next level and it wouldn’t surprise me if he wanted to do that. As a player you’ve got one chance and sometimes you’ve got to be selfish.
“I think if he gets the chance then he’ll be off.”
The Sun (16 November, page 63) reported that Arnautovic could be tempted to stay at West Ham if they agree to increase his weekly pay packet from £130,000 to £200,000 a week – but the Londoners are unwilling to agree to demands that would shatter their wage structure and cause friction behind the scenes.
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