Marko Arnautovic is “happy” at West Ham and is not looking to quit the club this summer, according to a Hammers insider.
Ex-WHU Employee, who is an outstanding source of West Ham news, delivered an update on the future of the Austrian forward on Wednesday night amid speculation he could be sold following a signing blitz.
He explained that Arnautovic has been “training superbly” in recent days and the board do not to sell him, with the only possible threat being his agent brother Daniel Arnautovic convincing him to transfer clubs.
My news on Arnautovic has not changed. Just spoke to a couple of people who have told me he is not for sale and has been training superbly these last few days (including today) club don’t want to sell, no one has bid and unless his brother (agent) persuades him 2 go-he is happy
— ExWHUEmployee (@ExWHUEmployee) July 18, 2018
Sky Italy correspondent Gianluca Di Marzio had previously claimed, as seen on his personal website, that the Hammers attacker had been offered to the Serie A side Inter Milan by his brother.
Mario Arnautovic’s brother (and agent) was spotted at Inter’s HQ today, discussing a possible move back to his old club for him.
[Source: @DiMarzio] pic.twitter.com/HwDRHSon3a
— West Ham News (@WHUFC_News) June 20, 2018
OPINION
The spectre of Arnautovic’s brother hangs over the player remaining an Iron after the transfer window slams shut. Fans will certainly be delighted that the matchwinner, who was outstanding in the second half of last season, has been training at a high level and appears fit and highly motivated ahead of the new campaign. But there certainly remains a semblance of doubt about him potentially leaving the London Stadium before the 9 August cut-off. Supporters have watched West Ham do some excellent business in recent weeks, with the flurry of arrivals including classy wide duo Felip Anderson and Andriy Yarmolenko. They are desperate to see the proven forward pair combine with Arnautovic, who went on to score 11 goals in 35 outings during his debut season after a slow start, rather than replace him. If the pacy and powerfully Austrian is able to lead the attack again, the Hammers can shoot for a top-eight finish.