MailOnline are today reporting that West Ham are confident Marko Arnautovic will stay at the club this summer, while efforts to sign striker Salomon Rondon still continue regardless of where the Austrian’s future lies.
Arnautovic looked almost certain to leave the club this summer after attempting to force a move to the Chinese Super League in January before eventually agreeing to new terms to remain at the club beyond the winter window.
It was a saga that seemingly affected the club’s fortunes over the winter period, culminating in Pellegrini’s men crashing out of the FA Cup via a humiliating 4-2 thrashing at the hands of League One strugglers AFC Wimbledon.
It took Arnautovic until the penultimate game of the season in May to find the net again, having last scored in an FA Cup victory over Birmingham City at the beginning of January.
But now, despite many believing he was going to be sold this summer, it appears Manuel Pellegrini is doing all he can to convince the forward – and the West Ham hierarchy – that he has a future in East London.
Whether he will remain in claret and blue or not remains to be seen, but MailOnline also believe that questions over Arnie’s future won’t affect a bid for West Brom striker Salomon Rondon.
The 29-year-old spent last season on loan at Newcastle, scoring 12 and assisting a further seven in all competitions, which has led to the Magpies considering a permanent move.
Rondon has a £16.5m release clause in his Baggies contract, which has unexpectedly led to increased interest from both us and Wolves, who are believed to be looking for a back up to Raul Jimenez this summer.
With Lucas Perez and Chicharito widely expected to leave the club this summer and Andy Carroll being allowed to leave on a free, reinforcements in the striker department will be top of Pellegrini’s transfer wishlist and Rondon does appear to be a steal at his current asking price.
It’s believed Rondon will be brought in as a back up to Arnautovic but plans to play them together will also be considered.