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Former Premier League striker Noel Whelan insists that Marko Arnautovic is a “disgrace” and has urged West Ham United to sell the Austria international, per Football Insider.
What’s he said?
Arnautovic scored twice at the weekend as West Ham beat Southampton 3-0 in their final home game of the season.
The Austria international’s goals broke a streak of 11 games without a goal from the striker, who flirted with a move to China in the January transfer window.
His dalliance with the Far East led to a new contract that contains a £45million release clause.
And Whelan, who played for a number of clubs during his career, including Leeds United, Coventry City and Derby County, insists that the Irons simply must cash in on the 30-year-old when the transfer window reopens.
He said: “If he was my teammate, I would want him out.
“Where’s he been since January? Sulking and going missing in action. Get rid of him, he’s a disgrace.
“His lack of professionalism has made him West Ham’s weakest link. You can imagine the rest of the players looking at him and thinking, ‘if you want to go, then go’.
“Sure, he’s a very talented player who’s a real handful for defenders when he’s in the mood. But you can’t rely on him. Get him out.”
Who would want him?
It remains to be seen whether a club will be willing to come in with an acceptable bid for Arnautovic.
When on form, he is perhaps the best forward outside the top six. His potent cocktail of strength, pace and eye for goal offer a massive headache for any opposition defender.
But Whelan is right to question his attitude. It is no surprise that, with the transfer window looming, he is again starting to hit the back of the net.
Unless there is another bid from China – it was not entirely clear which CSL club made the offer at the turn of the year – one cannot see another outfit looking to trigger his £45m clause.
For a player who has gone missing across the second half of the season, it simply isn’t worth the money.
West Ham, then, may well be stuck with him.