Friday, January 11

West Ham should not be dictated to by agents

Not every encouraging noises from Marko Arnautovic's agent, his brother Danijel. He says that it is Marko's "great desire that West Ham accept the offer from China" and that "he wants to go to a new market and challenge for titles". You half expect him to add that Marko has supported Shanghai SIPG since he was a nipper in Vienna. 

You really hope this doesn't develop into a Payet-style situation. Ever since Arnie did the crossed Hammers sign at his former fans at Stoke last season it's been clear that loyalty might not be his strong suit. But he doesn't strike me as the sort of player who if selected would deliberately not try either. It could all be leverage in order to get a better deal too. West Ham can't be dictated to by agents and it's time to get tough. He's under contract and should stay. If he really wants to go to a not very good Chinese league that could be arranged in the summer if the Chinese offer silly money. That way the club would have time to sign a replacement. For the moment we need him to try and challenge for the FA Cup and Europa League.

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