Sky Sports pundit Matt Le Tissier has been left drooling over the talents of West Ham’s Marko Arnautovic but has been left fearing heartbreak for the Irons over his potential exit in the January transfer window.
The Austrian hitman has been the Hammers’ star forward this season and continued his fine form with an early goal in the FA Cup clash against Birmingham City on Saturday.
Speaking of the imposing hitman, Le Tissier raved over his impact on the Hammers side, returning from injury against Brighton in the 2-2 draw, but worries that he could be on his way this month.
He told Sky Sports’ Soccer Saturday (05/01, 12:24): “He’s been out for a couple of weeks so I’m guessing the West Ham manager wants to get some minutes under his belt.
“This boy is a real talisman for them – two down against Brighton and you thought that might game, set and match but Arnautovic was having none of it and got them back into the game single handed.
“He has done that at times, I think he’s phenomenal. I think West Ham would do well to keep hold of Arnautovic in January.”
Opinion
Le Tissier has hit the nail on the head when it comes to Arnautovic. He is without a doubt the Hammers’ most influential player and that came to light with his brace against Brighton. He transforms their fortunes up front with his powerful play and eye for goal – which is why the Irons need to fear his potential exit this month. There are no doubt going to be plenty of sides who need a striker sniffing around at a deal in east London and it is going to be hard to turn down the money which will be offered their way. Still, he can be the difference between winning and losing and in a business so driven by results, the Hammers would have to make sure that whatever price tag they slapped on his head gives them a chance not only of replacing him but finding someone who can continue to drive the club forward. Finding such a talisman is not going to be easy and so the asking price has to be close to astronomical.