Arnautovic wants to go - Antonio
Michail Antonio has revealed Marko Arnautovic wants to leave West Ham and make a move to China this month.
The Austria international was the subjext of a £35million bid from an unnamed Chinese Super League club last week but that offer was rejected out of hand by the Hammers.
The East Londn outfit released a statement announcing they had no intention of selling their top goalscorer but it is understood the offer has turned the head of the former Stoke City forward.
Following Saturday's 1-0 win over Arsenal, boss Manuel Pellegrini admitted there was a chance Arnautovic could move on from the London Stadium.
Antonio has now lifted the lid on Arnautovic's mindset, claiming he wants the club to sell him to China.
He toldSky Sports' Goals on Sunday: "It's been quite tight-lipped, but everyone knows Marko wants to go. He's massive for the club, I think he's joint top goalscorer right now, so he's a big player for us.
"The fans love him, it's just one of those things where in his life right now, he feels it's another step for him and I think he's going to one of the best clubs over there, where he might be able to win some trophies.
"He's coming to the latter end of his career, maybe he just feels like before he retires he needs a new step, and this might be a step that he wants."
Antonio went on to say that if the 29-year-old did get his wish then it would be tricky for West Ham to find a replacement of similar quality.
Antonio added: "That's a difficult situation - we've got someone there with experience of playing who scores goals, right now who would we sign to replace him? That's where the problem lies."
Antonio and the rest of the squad will hope Arnautovic doesn't move on and is part of the squad that heads to the south coast for the clash with Bournemouth next Saturday.
The Cherries are 2/1 for the win, while West Ham are 2/1 and the draw is 12/5.
View all Soccer betting
Michail Antonio has revealed Marko Arnautovic wants to leave West Ham and make a move to China this month.
The Austria international was the subjext of a £35million bid from an unnamed Chinese Super League club last week but that offer was rejected out of hand by the Hammers.
The East Londn outfit released a statement announcing they had no intention of selling their top goalscorer but it is understood the offer has turned the head of the former Stoke City forward.
Following Saturday's 1-0 win over Arsenal, boss Manuel Pellegrini admitted there was a chance Arnautovic could move on from the London Stadium.
Antonio has now lifted the lid on Arnautovic's mindset, claiming he wants the club to sell him to China.
He toldSky Sports' Goals on Sunday: "It's been quite tight-lipped, but everyone knows Marko wants to go. He's massive for the club, I think he's joint top goalscorer right now, so he's a big player for us.
"The fans love him, it's just one of those things where in his life right now, he feels it's another step for him and I think he's going to one of the best clubs over there, where he might be able to win some trophies.
"He's coming to the latter end of his career, maybe he just feels like before he retires he needs a new step, and this might be a step that he wants."
Antonio went on to say that if the 29-year-old did get his wish then it would be tricky for West Ham to find a replacement of similar quality.
Antonio added: "That's a difficult situation - we've got someone there with experience of playing who scores goals, right now who would we sign to replace him? That's where the problem lies."
Antonio and the rest of the squad will hope Arnautovic doesn't move on and is part of the squad that heads to the south coast for the clash with Bournemouth next Saturday.
The Cherries are 2/1 for the win, while West Ham are 2/1 and the draw is 12/5.
View all Soccer betting
Source: bet365.com
Comments
This article has 0 comment(s) , give your comment