West Ham United striker Marko Arnautovic has put in a transfer request to push through a move to China and Shanghai SiPG.
It’s the second time in two transfer windows that the Austrian has tried every which way to force the Hammers to sell him to a Chinese Super League club.
The Mirror claim that the Chinese club have put in a bid of £19.7 million for Arnautovic, which is significantly lower than the £45 million that West Ham want for him.
The London club had rejected a £30 million bid for the charismatic striker in the January transfer window from Guangzhou Evergrande.
The Austrian signed a new deal earlier this year, which expires in 2023, but the 30-year-old’s head has been turned by the rumoured wages of £200,000 per week that the Chinese club are offering.
With Arnautovic all but certain to leave the club, which striker should manager Manuel Pellegrini sign to replace him?
Daniel Sturridge
On his day, and when fit, Daniel Sturridge is one of the deadliest strikers in world football.
The English striker’s contract with Liverpool expired and he is currently a free agent. The 29-year-old has played for some of the biggest clubs in England – Chelsea, Manchester City, and Liverpool – but he may have to take a step down to get first-team football.
While he does not offer the physical presence that Arnautovic has, Sturridge is a brilliant link player with good pace and technique.
The signing of Sturridge would hold little risk as he is currently a free agent, which will also give Pellegrini the option of signing another striker to add depth to the West Ham squad. However, his injury record isn’t the best.
Salomón Rondón
One player who brings experience, goals, and is on the transfer market currently is West Bromwich Albion’s Salomón Rondón.
Rondon played for Newcastle United last season, and was a great loan signing for then Magpies boss Rafa Benitez.
West Brom want £16.5 million for the 29-year-old, which seems like a reasonable amount for an experienced player who has delivered around 10 goals every season.
Callum Wilson
Callum Wilson had a fine 2018-19 season for Bournemouth, ending the season with 15 goals – the highest tally for him in the Premier League. Wilson also won an England cap recently and even scored.
A quick player with good dribbling ability, Wilson would gel well with the Hammers’ flair players like Pablo Fornals, Felipe Anderson, and Michail Antonio, to name a few.
The English centre-forward has good work-rate and energy to run the entire match, which is something that the passionate West Ham fans would love. The Hammers will have to pay around £35 million to secure his signature.