Premier League

Exclusive: Brian Deane stunned by West Ham’s reported interest in Marko Arnautovic

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Image for Exclusive: Brian Deane stunned by West Ham’s reported interest in Marko Arnautovic

Former West Ham striker Brian Deane has told This Is Futbol in an exclusive interview that he would be surprised if Marko Arnautovic made a return to the London Stadium.

Arnautovic is being linked with a shock move back to West Ham, with Italian outlet Il Resto del Carlino (via TEAMtalk) claiming the east London club are “dreaming” of a homecoming this summer.

Serie A outfit Bologna are said to already have the wheels in motion for a deal, but the same publication states West Ham are preparing a hijack.

Would you take Arnautovic back at West Ham?

Yes

Yes

No

No

The 32-year-old forward left the Hammers in controversial fashion back in 2019 after pushing for a move to Chinese Super League side Shanghai SIPG.

Speaking exclusively to TIF about the speculation surrounding West Ham and Arnautovic, Deane said:

“I‘d be very surprised. I can’t see how he would fit back into the club.

“You can’t compare [then and now]. He’s older and what’s he going to cost in wages? That’s just a lazy signing for me if they go for him.

I definitely think they should be moving on. It’s a move backwards to bring in someone like Arnautovic.”

West Ham have progressed well since Arnautovic’s departure, now competing for European football, so you would have to ask questions of David Gold, David Sullivan and David Moyes if they sanction a move for an ageing striker who turned his back on the club.

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