---
title: "Cole discusses Arnautovic and Nasri rumours"
canonical: "https://readwestham.com/2018/11/19/cole-discusses-arnautovic-and-nasri-rumours/"
type: "post"
language: "en-GB"
author: "Sam Holmes"
section: "West Ham News"
published: "2018-11-19T19:11:02Z"
modified: "2018-11-19T19:11:02Z"
---

# Cole discusses Arnautovic and Nasri rumours

Former West Ham United striker Carlton Cole has told Sky Sports, as cited on [FourFourTwo](https://www.fourfourtwo.com/news/cole-backs-west-ham-keep-arnautovic), that keeping “main player” Marko Arnautovic is important for the team.

The ex-Hammers star discussed the experienced forward’s current predicament at the London Stadium and said:

> He’s happy at this club. I don’t see any reason why he should be leaving the club. Everyone knows what he’s capable of here and I think we’ll see him stay. I don’t want him to leave. I don’t think the club will let him leave, because he’s our main player.

The statement comes amongst [reports of uncertainty](https://readwestham.com/2018/11/15/marko-arnautovic-told-that-he-will-not-be-leaving-west-ham-in-january/) with the Austrian international’s commitment to the Irons. Premier League rivals Manchester United and Chelsea are suggested to be wanting to recruit the forward in January.

![Marc Atkins/Getty Images Sport](https://media.readwestham.com/readwestham/2018/11/1059927220.jpg)

Arnautovic is the club’s current leading goalscorer and remains influential in steering Manuel Pellegrini’s men away from the relegation zone, even seeming to play on through [long-term injury and ill health](https://readwestham.com/2018/11/17/arnautovic-fighting-injury-mystery/).

More positively, Cole supported the link between his former club and two-time Premier League winner Samir Nasri. He said:

> We know his class. He will bring something different to the squad and he has that experience too. I think the manager has a good relationship with him.

The Frenchman’s 18-month ban for a doping violation is due to end in December, meaning he will be available as a free agent.

The 31-year-old was a key player in Pellegrini’s Premier League and League Cup victories, before a loan spell with Sevilla and a permanent move to Turkish side Antalyaspor last season.