According to a recent report by the Sunday Mirror, Manchester United are plotting a move for West Ham United striker Marko Arnautovic as they look to give their top 4 hopes a significant boost during the January transfer window. It is believed that Jose Mourinho is lining up a whopping £50m for the Hammers star as he looks to bolster his attacking options going into the second half of this campaign.
The Austrian international has already put in a string of eye-catching displays for the East London outfit during the course of this season which has caught the attention of the United chiefs. However, he has been plagued with injuries in recent weeks which has derailed him from hitting the heights of last season.
Arnautovic has featured in 12 matches for the Hammers this season, scoring five goals while grabbing one assist in all competitions. At 29, the Austrian is currently at the peak of his playing career which the Red Devils could look to take advantage of over the next few years. The Wien-born talent is also vastly experienced at the international level after securing 77 international caps for Austria and scoring 20 goals during that time.
What Will Arnautovic Bring To Old Trafford?
The West Ham forward could be a low-risk acquisition for the Reds of Manchester but whether he can fire them to a top 4 finish remains to be seen. Arnautovic is a complete centre-forward who initially started off playing as a wide man for the Hammers. He has outstanding ball control and is quite capable of leading the lines on his own up top.
Moreover, the Austrian international can finish with both feet which makes him an invaluable asset for Manuel Pellegrini. The addition of a striker of Arnautovic’s pedigree would undoubtedly bolster Mourinho’s attacking options at Old Trafford.
He is more than capable of giving Romelu Lukaku a run for his money in the battle to secure a regular spot in Mourinho’s starting XI. Hence, United should do everything they can to convince him to make a switch to the red half of Manchester before other big clubs join in on the race.
