David Moyes refuses to rule out Arnautovic signing
West Ham boss David Moyes has refused to rule out bringing Marko Arnautovic back to the London Stadium this summer.
The Hammers have been looking for a striker since Sebastien Haller left in January, and opted against bringing in someone at the time.
However, having seen Michail Antonio struggle with his fitness, it’s almost certain that West Ham will sign someone this summer.
Eurosport has reported that the club has a £35m budget to rope in a striker, and former Hammer Arnautovic is understood to be on the shortlist.
When asked about signing the Austrian, Moyes said, per Sky Sports, “Marko was great for me. I loved having him at the club because I liked the challenge of trying to manage him.
“He’s someone who maybe wasn’t easy at times but I actually quite enjoyed it.
“I would never rule Marko out – but I’m trying to move forward. I’m trying not to go back, if I can help it. It’s not to say that I would never go there. I would do, of course.
“We might get a chance to see how Marko plays in the Euros. I hope I do because I really like him.”
Could do better
While there is a chance Moyes rolls back the clock, there are younger and better forwards available in the market, and signing a 32-year-old isn’t the best way to build a team for the future.
We’ve been linked with players nearly 10 years younger than him that have shown promise in Europe’s top five leagues.
Currently, the Austrian is on £200,000-a-week [The Mirror] but could settle for a deal that equates to £57,000 to £66,000 a week should he join West Ham. [Il Resto del Carlino via 1000 Cuori Rossoblu]
Midfielder Mark Noble, who’s previously shared the dressing room with Arnautovic has spoken highly about the attacker.
He said, “What a player when he turned it on, some days in training, you couldn’t get close to the fella. I was really sad to see him go.”
Hopefully, the club pursue the likes of Duvan Zapata or Youssef En-Nesyri, both of whom are quality custodians.
They’re leading the line with aplomb in Serie A and La Liga respectively and would undoubtedly be better options to take this club forward.
In other West Ham news, Agent confirms transfer interest in 15-goal striker linked to West Ham
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