West Ham are gearing up for a major change to their forward ranks over the course of the coming weeks, with Marko Arnautovic widely expected to complete a move to China in a deal worth more than £35m.
Losing the Austrian international, who sits second in the Hammers’ scoring charts this season with seven goals in 16 matches, will be a blow to Manuel Pellegrini’s side but the Chilean boss is ready to reinvest those funds on a replacement.
Sky Sports states the Hammers have placed Bournemouth striker Callum Wilson at the top of their wishlist if Arnautovic goes, although Cherries boss Eddie Howe has previously made it clear he will not entertain offers for the striker.
“In my opinion, and it’s just my opinion, I wouldn’t sell at any price – but I’m the manager, trying to create the best team that I can. We desperately want to take the team forward and to do that we have got to keep our best players.”
Wilson, who has scored nine goals and contributed five assists in 20 Premier League matches this season, has also courted the attention of Chelsea and the Hammers may be dragged into a bidding war if the Blues continue to pursue a move.
Previous article by Josh Challies
‘Save the money until the summer’: These West Ham fans discuss potential Arnautovic replacements
