Arnautovic Makes West Ham U-Turn

By Max Wise

Marko Arnautovic has rescinded his decision to leave West Ham United after the Premier League club refused to sanction his £35m move to Chinese Super League side, Shanghai SIPG.

Arnautovic, 29, would have reportedly earned £200,000 a week in China, double of his current wages at the Hammers, and he appeared to wave goodbye to the West Ham fans when he was substituted in their 1-0 win over Arsenal at the London Stadium a fortnight ago.

West Ham United have, however, blocked the move, and Arnautovic has come to accept the decision of the club as he redirects his attention to helping the London-based club progress in the ongoing season.

"I want to put offers aside, help the club climb as high as possible at the table and try to win the cup," Arnautovic said in a lengthy post on Instagram.

"I guess it's no secret there has been an offer for me and I have to admit the offer was a very tempting one for me and my family.

"I have given 100% of my club duties, but I also needed some time to talk to my club, my wife and the rest of my family. I have now decided to put a stop to all the writings and speculation.

"It is clear that London and West Ham United feels like home for me and I hope the West Ham fans have always seen that.

"Let's focus on the rest of this season together and let those bubbles fly."

Arnautovic joined West Ham United from Stoke City for £20m in the summer of 2017 and was named as the club’s Player of the Season last year.

Arnautovic is West Ham’s joint top scorer in all competitions alongside summer signing, Felipe Anderson, with both players having eight goals apiece.