Marko Arnautovic will NOT strike to force a move away from West Ham, manager Manuel Pellegrini believes.
Arnautovic, the Austria forward, wants to quit West Ham this month amid interest in him from the Chinese Super League, with his agent telling talkSPORT last week that the 29-year-old wants to ‘go to a new market and challenge for titles’.
West Ham rejected a bid from an unnamed club for Arnautovic and are expecting to receive further offers, with the player himself keen on the move going through.
Nonetheless, Pellegrini has no desire to drop Arnautovic despite questions about his future, and the forward started and played 71 minutes of Saturday’s defeat of Arsenal.
And Pellegrini doubts Arnautovic would refuse to play to force through a move – something Dimitri Payet did two seasons ago amid interest from Marseille.
“Marko is working with the team without any problem,” said Pellegrini.
“When you have such a high offer, everyone wants to leave but he has a contract here and we will know what will happen about it in the coming days.
“Of course you can’t blame him, he knows what is the best option for him and now we will see what happens between the clubs.
“I don’t think that the player will refuse to play.”
Arnautovic appeared to wave goodbye to the fans when he was substituted during West Ham’s 1-0 win over Arsenal last weekend, but as things stand he will be in the squad which travels to Bournemouth on Saturday.
Javier Hernandez will also be involved after overcoming back and hamstring problems, and Pellegrini brushed off speculation linking the Mexico striker with a January move away from east London.
“These are all just rumours, about so many players that will come to West Ham or go from West Ham,” added Pellegrini.
“Javier is part of the squad. Unfortunately for him he has had two long injuries this season for about five weeks every time.
“He will continue to be an important player for us.”
Ryan Fredericks has also resumed training following an ankle injury but Jack Wilshere will again miss out against the club where he spent a season on loan due to his ankle problem.