1000 Cuori Rossoblu has recently reported that West Ham United are planning to bring Shanghai Port striker Marko Arnautovic back to the London Stadium this summer. It has been reported that the Hammers could face competition in the form of Crystal Palace in the race to recruit the Austria international at the end of this campaign (via 1000 Cuori Rossoblu).
Arnautovic’s Eye-Catching Form In Chinese Football
The Wien-born talent has enjoyed a successful spell in the Chinese Super League as he has been prolific in front of the opposition goal. Arnautovic has banged in 20 goals and provided four assists in 37 appearances for the Chinese outfit so far in multiple competitions.
The 32-year-old gave a good account of himself in the last calendar year when he averaged 2.8 shots, 0.8 key passes, and 0.4 dribbles per game in the Chinese Super League. However, he needs to be more careful when linking up play with others around him, as evidenced by his pass completion rate of 76.3% in league football (stats via whoscored).
Arnautovic has done well to maintain his high standards in a foreign league despite edging closer towards the twilight years of his playing career. Hence, David Moyes would believe that the Austrian veteran can still do a good job for his team if he can convince the player to arrive on a short-term contract.
Will Bringing Arnautovic Back Be A Good Move For The Hammers?
Arnautovic still has decent pace in his locker that allows him to time his runs well in behind the opposition backline. He excels at generating a yard of space for himself to get a few shots in at goal and can still be a deadly finisher in the final third. However, father time is slowly but surely catching up with his game, so there are some concerns over his long-term worth as a forward.
Even then, the fact that Arnautovic wants to return to Europe because of the salary cut imposed by the Chinese government, makes him a good option for the Hammers to consider in the summer. The 87-time Austria international knows the East London club well from his previous spell at the London Stadium, so he won’t take too much time settling into life at the English capital under the watchful eyes of Moyes.
Arnautovic is versatile enough to play anywhere across the frontline. Hence, he would add more depth to the West Ham squad and could even earn a regular first-team place in England next season. With all things considered, recruiting Arnautovic this summer would be a shrewd move for the Hammers as he could help them challenge for a top-four spot once again in the next Premier League campaign.
