Would Marko Arnautovic be welcome back at West Ham United?
West Ham stars make return to training after Moyes reward as FA Cup call looms
That is the question on everyone’s lips as speculation heightens over a possible return to West Ham this month.
David Moyes is reportedly serious about bringing Arnautovic back to West Ham.
The Scot recently name dropped Arnautovic when discussing West Ham’s lack of forward options (Evening Standard).
Reliable West Ham insider ExWHUemployee claimed last night that Arnautovic would be welcomed back to the club by the players should Moyes move for the striker.
Some West Ham fans concerned over Arnie return
That’s after fans raised concerns that the Austrian’s return could upset the Hammers applecart.
The prospect of a West Ham return for Arnautovic – who infamously demanded a mega money move to China just months after signing a bumper new West Ham contract – does not sit well with some Hammers fans.
But others feel he could be just what West Ham need given Michail Antonio’s persistent injury issues and Sebastien Haller’s continued struggles.
One of the big concerns being voiced by fans is that Arnautovic might destroy the fantastic team spirit Moyes has fostered at West Ham.
Players and staff have regularly referenced West Ham’s special team spirit as key to their success in since the first lockdown.
ExWHUemployee claims players would welcome striker
West Ham have made their best start to a season for 22 years. And some fans worry re-introducing an ego like Arnautovic to the dressing room could be detrimental.
But a look back at comments from influential West Ham captains Mark Noble and Declan Rice before Arnautovic left back-up ExWHUemployee’s claims that he would be welcomed back.
Noble spoke out on several occasions defending Arnautovic before his departure. The skipper insisted the striker loved West Ham and the fans and was one of the leading senior figures in the dressing room (whufc.com).
Noble and Rice past comments back-up insider’s claim
Noble also revealed Arnautovic was loved by his teammates (Evening Standard).
Rice also defended Arnautovic and described him as one of West Ham’s leaders.
“Whatever happened (with Arnautovic), happened,” Rice said in The Evening Standard.
“All the lads love Marko. He is great in the changing room. We all love him.”
It echoed previous comments from Rice that he looks up to Arnautovic ‘like a big brother’ (whufc.com).
“Arnie is massive for West Ham,” Rice told West Ham TV.
“He gives us a boost on the pitch, to know we’ve got someone of his stature and his quality, and he can get us a goal at any time.
“He’s top. I get on so well with him. He’s like an older brother and he’s always trying to give me advice. He’s like another captain really, he’s always egging on the team to do better and to do well.”
The fact Moyes wants Arnautovic back should be the end of it. The manager must be the one making the big decisions – whether the owners or fans agree or not.
If the players are open to his return too – as ExWHUemployee claims and the past comments suggest – then better still.
Some fans will never forgive the player.
Others will be won over by a few goals.
It is sure to be a story that dominates West Ham’s transfer window so watch this space.