Marko Arnautovic could still leave West Ham this month for China despite claims on Sunday that the big-money move was off. Arnautovic was left out of the Hammers’ squad for Saturday’s 2-0 defeat at Bournemouth as boss Manuel Pellegrini admitted he was distracted by confirmed interest in him from Chinese Super League side Shanghai SIPG.
Related: Bravo Earns Windies Recall To Face England
West Ham have rejected an initial £35million offer from Shanghai for the former Stoke forward but reports that a January exit is now unlikely on Sunday are premature as the 29-year-old has made it clear he wants to go and the Chinese outfit are expected to return with a new offer.
With just over a week to go before the transfer window closes, all parties will need to negotiate quickly to get the move back on track but West Ham are privately willing to accept a suitable offer and have no intention of standing in Arnautovic’s way as he pursues the lucrative switch.
It’s believed the Londoners want at least £45million for the Austria international, who has hit 19 goals in 53 appearances in all competitions for the club since his move in summer 2017.
Got what it Takes?
Predict and Win Millions Now
COMMENTS