West Ham United forward Marko Arnautovic is on Manchester United’s radar, according to reports.
The Austrian finished as the Hammers’ top goalscorer in the Premier League this season despite not finding the back of the net once between his arrival and Slaven Bilic’s departure a few months into the campaign.
He finished the season with 11 league goals – a tally that undoubtedly played a vital role in keeping the Hammers in the top flight after several months of their position looking precarious.
Losing him this summer would be a massive blow for new Irons boss Manuel Pellegrini. And given how their other attacking players got on throughout the campaign, it seems unlikely that West Ham will consider any bids for the 29-year-old until an enormous sum is offered and potential replacements have been lined up.
And that need to get a replacement should tempt West Ham to try their luck and make an ambitious bid for Marcus Rashford in return. The 20-year-old is a hugely exciting talent, but he has not been able to stamp his authority on a position in Jose Mourinho’s side, having made 17 starts in the league this past term with a further 18 appearances coming from the bench.
If Arnautovic was signed, it would be little surprise if Rashford’s game-time was restricted further. And if that proves to be the case, perhaps he may be tempted to ask Mourinho some questions about his future.
It does seem incredibly unlikely – Manchester United would arguably be making a huge mistake if they allowed him to leave – but West Ham should certainly ask about Rashford’s availability if Arnautovic is heading for the exit.
If the Hammers are going to lose their talisman, they may as well make an ambitious move for one of the brightest prospects in the league.
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