Chelsea target Arnautovic refuses to comment on West Ham future

The Austria winger refused to be drawn on speculation linking him with a January exit

Marko Arnautovic has refused to comment on reports he could leave West Ham in the January transfer window. 

Arnautovic has impressed for the Hammers so far this season, scoring five goals in 10 Premier League matches.

That has led to speculation the former Stoke man could seek to leave the London Stadium when the winter window opens.

The 29-year-old fuelled talk of a January exit last week by telling an Austrian newspaper that he wanted to “compete with the very best”.

Then Arnautovic’s agent, his brother Daniel, suggested a host of top sides in England are monitoring his situation.

Chelsea and Everton were two sides mentioned as possible destinations, while a return to Serie A – where Arnautovic had a short loan spell with Inter Milan during the 2009-10 season – was also mooted.

But when asked about his Hammers future after Austria’s late win over Northern Ireland, Arnautovic was non-committal, saying:

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“I don’t want to talk about it. I am concentrated on West Ham.

“We have a big game against Manchester City on Saturday and I am only thinking about this game and the following games and what is being said is not my business.”

The game at Windsor Park looked to be heading for a draw after Corey Evans had cancelled out Xaver Schlager’s opener.

However, a stoppage-time strike from Valentino Lazaro secured a dramatic victory for the visitors.

The result had no impact on their Nations League progress however, with Franco Foda’s side already guaranteed to finish second in Group B3 behind winners Bosnia-Herzegovina.

Arnautovic was a 71st minute substitute for Austria after initially being considered a doubt for the game in Belfast with a knee injury.

The winger has trained away from his teammates in the build-up to the game, but reassured West Ham supporters about his fitness ahead of their huge Premier League clash with champions Manchester City on Saturday.

“I will be OK. Two days in a row was a bit too much but the gaffer asked me to play the last 25 minutes if needed, and it was needed. I am glad I could help.”