Stuart Pearce shared that he personally believed that West Ham attacker Marko Arnautovic would sign a new lucrative contract despite reported speculation that he is heading for the exit door.
The former Hammers defender revealed that he was surprised over reports that suggested his club would sell the 29-year-old for anywhere in the region of £36million and expected him to end up staying.
“It surprised me from a financial aspect and the money they are talking per week, it probably doesn’t but the finance they’re talking to take him bare in mind they paid £25million and they’re talking £36million, and I wouldn’t take that,” said Pearce on Sky Sports‘ The Debate (22:55, Sky Sports Premier League, Tuesday January 15th.)
“I’ll think he’ll end up signing a new contract, a more lucrative contract to stay at West Ham personally.”
The Sun reported on Wednesday that Arnautovic was going to seal his exit from the Hammers by the end of the week as he was set to join Chinese side Shanghai SIPG in a £35million-plus move.
OPINION
Pearce maybe the only person betting on Arnautovic to stay at the Hammers at this point and if he is right, he should be hailed for being right with his belief. However while fans would love for the Hammers star to stay as he is an integral part of Manuel Pellegrini’s team, it’s hard to imagine. Every sign seems to point to Arnautovic’s bags being pretty much packed and it’s just a case of the deal being sealed and confirmed. Yet until that is the case Pearce can hold on to his belief regarding the attacker. Arnautovic has scored eight goals, and registered two assists in his 18 outings this season and when he has been missing, the Hammers have looked dramatically weaker upfront as a result. If the forward is indeed set to exit rather than the reports be some ploy for a new deal, Pellegrini needs to ensure a replacement is brought in and able to hit the ground running straight away. It’ll be a shame if the Hammers’ somewhat positive season comes undone due to losing Arnautovic.