Marko Arnautovic
According to a report from the Guardian, West Ham have decided to sell their star forward Marko Arnautovic for £22.4m to Chinese Super League side Shanghai SIPG.
The Austrian international, 30, asked to leave West Ham earlier this week and the club after initially rejected the idea to sell him, have since come to the conclusion that the 30-year-old will only be a negative influence if he stays.
Arnautovic had previously asked for a transfer back in January, but the Hammers managed to keep him at the London Stadium. The forward had also penned a new contract, citing he wanted “to put a stop” to the speculation over his future.
However, the report claims Manuel Pellegrini is furious with the Austrian and wants him sold and the board have chosen to support their manager even if the price is lower than they would have expected.
West Ham have already released Andy Carroll this summer and have sold Lucas Perez to Spanish club Alaves. Now with Arnautovic expected to leave, Pellegrini will be left with only Javier Hernandez as the only natural centre-forward.
Hence, it’s important the West Ham chief brings in a replacement for Arnautovic. Here are two players he can consider this summer.
According to the Sky Sports, Celta Vigo striker Maxi Gomez wants to join West Ham this summer. It is also claimed that the Hammers had a £29m offer for the 22-year-old accepted in June.
A strong, powerful and aerially dominant centre-forward, Gomez possesses the qualities to thrive in the Premier League.
The Uruguayan is a very good finisher in front of goal and also has the knack of creating chances for his teammates. He uses his strength and power to hold up the play and bring his teammates into the game.
A genuine threat in the opposition box from set-pieces, Gomez could be a fantastic replacement for Arnautovic.
Bournemouth ace Callum Wilson has been heavily linked with a switch to West Ham this summer.
Wilson enjoyed the best season of his career in 2018/19, netting 14 Premier League goals and also opening his account at international level. He has battled back from two serious knee injuries and is now rated as one of the deadliest poachers in the Premier League.
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Given that the England international is proven in the Premier League and has the potential to get even better, the Hammers must do everything to their powers to prise him away from Bournemouth this summer.
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