According to a recent report by the Daily Mirror, West Ham United striker Marko Arnautovic has handed in a transfer request after being the subject of a £19.7m bid from Chinese Super League club Shanghai SIPG this summer. This recent development will be a bitter blow for the Hammers in their quest to build a strong squad capable of challenging on all fronts next season.
The Austrian striker had previously asked for a transfer back in January, but the East London outfit managed to keep him at the London Stadium. However, Manuel Pellegrini might be better off cashing in on him in this off-season so that he can use the money generated from his sale to fund a move for a suitable replacement.
It’s high time West Ham gave up on trying to retain Arnautovic as he is likely to have his heart set on a move to China. Let’s take a look at three replacements for Pellegrini to consider in this off-season.
Maxi Gomez
Sky Sports has already reported that the Celta de Vigo forward wants to join the Hammers this summer. He could be the perfect replacement for Arnautovic if West Ham can agree on personal terms with him in the coming days. Sky Sports has also revealed that the Premier League outfit had a £29m bid accepted by Celta de Vigo for Gomez last month.
The Uruguayan forward has the potential to get into double digits in terms of goal-scoring for the Hammers next season, so it makes sense for Pellegrini to splash the cash on the La Liga prospect.
Nils Petersen
The German striker enjoyed another productive season at SC Freiburg after he put in a string of match-winning displays for them in the Bundesliga last season. His incredible goal-scoring contributions helped his team avoid relegation in the previous campaign. Petersen found the back of the net 12 times and provided three assists in 26 appearances for the German team across multiple competitions. At 30, he still has a few years left in his locker to play at a high level so West Ham should consider recruiting him for the short-term.
Joshua King
The Bournemouth frontman enjoyed a fantastic campaign under Eddie Howe’s tutelage last season when he scored 12 goals in 35 matches in the Premier League. The Norwegian striker has already proven his worth in the English top-flight and would be a good fit for Pellegrini’s brand of football at the London Stadium.
