Manuel Pellegrini has discussed the future of Marko Arnautovic, saying that the forward could leave West Ham United this month if the deal is right for the club.
West Ham received a bid of £35 million last week from an unnamed Chinese club, thought to be Shanghai SIPG, although that bid was swiftly rejected, with the Hammers releasing a statement insisting that their striker is not for sale.
That came shortly after Arnautovic’s brother, who is also his agent, said that the 29-year-old was keen on a move to the far east, where it is expected that he would double his current salary.
However, speaking ahead of this weekends trip to face Bournemouth, Manuel Pellegrini has suggested that if the club receive an offer which they find acceptable, they will allow the Austrian to leave.
“When you have such a high offer, everyone wants to leave but he has a contract here,” Pelligrini said in his pre-match press conference.
“We will know what will happen about it in the coming days.
“If I say the player must stay, the player will stay. But I think as a manager the best thing is to take the solution that is best for the player and the club, both together.
“If it’s a good deal for both parties we will arrange to be without Marko.”
Arnautovic moved to East London in summer 2017, making a £20m move from Stoke City.