West Ham United boss David Moyes wants Marko Arnautovic back in January.
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That’s according to reliable West Ham insider ExWHUemployee.
Speaking on the latest West Ham Way podcast (December 22nd), ExWHUemployee made the revelation but claimed the club’s owners David Sullivan and David Gold are resisting.
It comes after Moyes spoke out about his lack of striker options following West Ham’s harsh 3-0 defeat to Chelsea on Monday night.
‘I’ll be back?’ Moyes wants Arnie return
Asked if the Hammers were targeting a striker in the January transfer window, Moyes also name dropped Arnautovic – who infamously demanded a mega money move to China just months after signing a bumper new West Ham contract.
“I hope I get Micky (Antonio) back soon,” Moyes told the press (Evening Standard).
“If we don’t then we need to think what else we can do, how else we can do it. We need alternatives and options, we’re a little bit limited with that.
“If not then I’m going to have to start looking in my own group to find another Marko Arnautović or Micky Antonio. That’s what I’m going to have to try to do.”
Well according to ExWHUemployee, Moyes is conducting that search in a very literal sense as he wants to explore the possibility of bringing Arnautovic back.
Insider says owners are resisting Moyes desire for Arnautovic reunion
The anonymous Twitter and podcast source says Sullivan and Gold are reluctant, though, given his acrimonious nature of his West Ham departure.
“There’s even some talk, dare I say it, that Moyes is exploring the opportunity of bringing Arnie back,” ExWHUemployee told The West Ham Way podcast (December 22nd).
“But I don’t think that would happen. I don’t think the board would allow it to happen.
“But I think if Moyes had his way, he’d want to bring him back because he believes that Arnie is the best player to play in our system. And that’s why I think he mentioned him yesterday (Monday) in the press conference.
“He said he needs to find another Arnie or Antonio and Moyes does seem very keen to get him back. But I don’t think he will because of the chairmen.”
Move would divide fanbase
It comes after West Ham were linked with Arnautovic in the summer and January (Daily Mail).
At 31, the striker is the same age as Antonio.
He scored seven goals in 14 appearances for Shanghai SIPG last season.
But he has been in better form this term notching nine goals in just seven games and providing three assists already.
Some West Ham fans might find themselves agreeing with Sullivan and Gold for a change over Arnautovic’s return.
But others have also suggested it would be a good fit despite the way he left in 2019.
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