West Ham United aren’t removing their feet off the pedal anytime soon, it seems, as they have reportedly agreed to terms with their third signing of the summer in Stoke City’s Marko Arnautovic. The Austrian international has been their long-term target this summer as they even saw their previous two bids rejected.
However, a £24 million fee seems to have been accepted this time as the Potters finally decide to let their star player leave. The 28-year-old had reportedly handed over his transfer request to the club last week as he was looking for a change when West Ham came calling. The Hammers have already brought in Pablo Zabaleta for free from Manchester City and Joe Hart on loan, indicating smart moves for the London club.
Despite them being linked with some elite names yet again this summer, West Ham look like they have learnt from their past mistakes. Following the departure of their star player Dimitri Payet midseason, West Ham couldn’t really recover from it for the rest of the season. The French star could create chances out of nowhere and was deadly from set-pieces, but the likes of Cresswell and Lanzini couldn’t take his place that effectively.
West Ham’s toothless attack was a huge reason for their underwhelming season last term, and although the arrival of Robert Snodgrass and heroics of Michail Antonio did balance it to some extent, it merely just saved them from getting relegated.
Arnautovic, though not a like for like replacement for Payet, could be very effective for Bilic from the left flank. The towering forward is known for his ability to outmuscle defenders from the flanks and be a dangerous threat from indirect set-pieces. Though Stoke City’s stagnant display last season did take some of the shine from his game, he still remains a productive option.
Stoke City had extended their star winger’s contract last summer itself when Everton were desperate to land him, but this sudden change of decision could only mean one thing, Mark Hughes has faith in Ramadan Sobhi. The Egyptian international showed glimpses of brilliance last season and Hughes looks impressed to go with it.
Since joining from Bundesliga side Werder Bremen in 2013, the player has been one of Stoke’s better players. In the four years, he has been with the Potters, Arnautovic has scored 26 goals and assisted 32 times in 145 games. His gigantic presence has been of huge help for Stoke and Bilic could also make great use of it.
