Harry Diamond
West Ham’s Marko Arnautovic has hinted that he may have to leave the club in order to fulfil his footballing ambition to “compete with the best players.”
The forward, a reported transfer target for Manchester United last summer, joined West Ham in a then club-record £25m deal last summer.
The 29-year-old has excelled since being moved to a central striking role at The London Stadium, scoring 16 goals in 46 appearances but has now suggested he may be ready to move on.
“I’m 29, so that’s the best age.’’ The Austrian told Kurier
“It’s clear that I want to compete with the best players.”
Arnautovic is represented by his brother, Daniel, who has also commented on a potential move.
He said: “He’s already playing in the Premier League and that’s where the best players are. But for a player like Marko this cannot be the end.
“He’s a big part of West Ham’s team but I think it’s possible to tease out more of him. For that to happen, he has to play for a top team.
“Marko is ready for the next step. A player like him should not play against relegation. He should play for the international spots.
“Marko is really enjoying playing for West Ham. He loves that club and the fans. But there is still that feeling, that this cannot be the end. And everybody should understand that.”