West Ham star man Marko Arnautovic has reportedly been told that he will not be exiting the club, despite the player implying otherwise.
The Austrian international has been the subject of much, previously relentless, interest from Manchester United and now Chelsea.
Arnautovic has told reporters in his homeland of his immediate desire to play Champions League football, however, this does not make clear whether he has a preference to one club in particular.
When interviewed by Austrian newspaper Kurier about the likelihood of a January move away from the Hammers, the 29-year-old’s agent and brother Danijel said that it is “possible” and was “very, very close (to happening) last summer.”
“Marko is ready for the next step. A player like him should not play against relegation,” he continued.
Danijel spoke of his sibling’s love for West Ham, but also remarked that playing in East London “cannot be the end.”
Arnautovic has been an influential part of Manuel Pellegrini’s team this season, despite sporadic injury absence. Three goals and an assist in his last six Premier League games is a huge contribution at the London Stadium.
Since arriving from Stoke for £20 million in the 2017 summer transfer window, the attacker has scored 16 goals and earned himself the highly-acclaimed Hammer of the Year in his debut season.
His recent achievements argue his case for a transfer away, but the Hammers are prepared to wave away any offers for their top-scorer in the New Year, no matter how appealing they may be.
