West Ham are no nearer to landing Stoke City’s Marko Arnautovic but Southampton winger Dusan Tadic could be a fine alternative.
It was no secret that Dusan Tadic did not exactly see eye-to-eye with former Southampton manager Claude Puel. However, the Frenchman’s sacking at the end of last season does not guarantee that the Serb will be staying at St Mary’s under successor Mauricio Pellegrino.
Arnautovic scored six Premier League goals last season
The report claims that West Ham have had two bids, the second as high as £20 million, rejected by Stoke for the Austrian international. Therefore, they are now considering making a third offer, which would see Arnautovic eclipse Andre Ayew as the club’s all-time record signing.
Stoke have feared for some time that Arnautovic would seek a move this summer after four impressive seasons at the Bet 365 Stadium. The Mirror reported in May last year that he had refused a new contract which would have made him the highest paid player in the club’s history.
Yet, Stoke are still in a position to call the shots with Arnautovic having three years remaining on his current deal.
Therefore, it is no guarantee that a bid in excess of £20 million will be sufficient for West Ham to land their top summer target. As such, they may be forced to turn their attention to Tadic.
The 28-year-old has been a fans favourite ever since arriving from FC Twente in the summer of 2014 but had arguably his most disappointing season on the South Coast last season, falling out favour under Puel.
Tadic would surely be welcomed at West Ham
However, averaging eight assists across his three Premier League seasons, Tadic would still be a fine addition for a West Ham side looking for creativity in wide areas. He’d be a lot cheaper than Arnautovic too.
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