Arnautovic continues to be linked with moves from West Ham.
Hayden Mullins has told Sky Sports that West Ham United have to tie down Marko Arnautovic down to a new deal if they are to stand any chance of keeping him at the London Stadium.
Arnautovic, 29, is being linked with Premier League heavyweights Manchester United and Chelsea after scoring five goals in 10 league appearances, with one of those coming Jose Mourinho’s side.
He signed a five-year deal at West Ham after completing a move to east London from Stoke City in the summer of 2017, but his excellent form continues to see his future come under question.
Former Hammers midfielder Mullins urged West Ham to tie the 77-time Austria international down to a new deal, or risk losing him to a side that can boast Champions League football.
“He’s been a leading light, last season especially and most of this season. His performances have been excellent,” Mullins said. “That’s the one thing the club have got to fight against. If someone offers you Champions League football, it’s going to be so tough to tie him down.
“But if they can get him committing to the club, it will be tougher for him to leave. He’s one you have to try and build the team around.”
Just four appearances away from completing a half-century at West Ham, Arnautovic has managed 16 goals in those matches, as well as creating another nine strikes. His £100,000-a-week contract (Spotrac) ends in June 2022.
A fan favourite and already captaining the side under Manuel Pellegrini in the absence of Mark Noble, Arnautovic is regarded as one of the best forwards in the Premier League – whether West Ham can keep him, is a different matter.
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