West Ham Eye Up Replacement For China Bound Marko Arnautovic

West Ham United have identified the man they want to replace Marko Arnautovic with the striker looking ever more likely to move to the Chinese Super League after missing out on the game against Bournemouth.

It's not that long ago that you'd have had some very heavy questioning about wanting to move to the Chinese Super League, especially moving from the Premier League, but that's not the case these days, we all know why you'd make the move.

Whilst the top tier in England is still generally the place to be to earn the big bucks the CSL has the ability to blow even the Premier League out of the water on occasion, when it comes to player wages.

The latest player from these shores being targeted by the Far East is Marko Arnautovic. The West Ham forward clearly wants to leave, with Guangzhou Evergrande having bid £35.2 million for his services.

Manuel Pellegrini's side don't really want to lose their striker but it looks ever more likely that he will leave, especially after he was left out of the squad for the 2-0 loss to Bournemouth on Saturday.

The Hammers want to replace Arnautovic before letting him go and according to Sky Italia they are ready to make a move for Torino's Andrea Belotti.

Could Belotti head to West Ham? Image: PA Images

It's not the first striker from Serie A that the Premier League side have been linked with as the Hammers have also reportedly made a bid for Genoa's Krzysztof Piatek, who is also wanted by AC Milan.

Cuore Toro reported that there has been initial moves for Belotti though no official bid has been made with West Ham considering a bid of €40-50 million.

That is said to not be enough for Torino to consider with the Turin based side wanting a figure of around €60 million to consider the transfer.

Arnautovic praying he gets to move to China. Image: PA Images

The 25 year old has a €100 million release clause in his contract but could be sold for less as his form in the last two seasons isn't what it once was.

The Italian has just seven goals in 20 league appearances this season in comparison to 26 in 35 in the 2016/17 season.

It seems ever more likely that Arnautovic will be leaving for China but who will replace him?

Topics: Football News, Serie A, Transfer stories, Transfer rumours, Italian Football, Premier League, West Ham United, West Ham, Transfer news, Torino

Ryan Sidle

Ryan is a writer for SPORTbible. He covers all sport from football, formula one, cricket, rugby, tennis, athletics, mma and wrestling. He obviously hates YOUR football team and has no interest in synchronised swimming.

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