Arnautovic splits fans but squad’s the biggest issue

The start of an overlong Arnautovic farewell but he got what he wanted in the end aided by his agent/brother

There are so many questions to be asked of the current transfer window with centrally whether players from abroad would be allowed into the country under the current restrictions.

David Moyes has made it clear he expects “every player and their dog” to be linked with the Hammers but this time around the prospect of individuals arriving in this country given the circumstances seems a remote or sensible plan.

It hardly came as a surprise to see Marko Arnautovic linked with a return to the manager who made a striker out of him when last in charge of the Hammers.

With the pandemic just around the corner he made a pretty ill-timed decision to move to China of all places and I really don’t see a return being on the cards.

Beyond an attitude which would be completely out of sync with the current togetherness in our dressing room, at 32 after playing in a clearly sub standard brand of football, he’s not for me .

And two remarks on the ClaretandHugh forum indicates the total split among the fans on the possibility – if it actually exists – of him re-joining the club

Writes one in a clear reference to Seb Haller: “No brainer. Football is a big business based on winners . I know what I would prefer. A 100% talented player with a dodgy attitude towards money or a100% talented player who is lazy and puts in no effort .

Says the other: “Oh I didn’t realise we needed a disloyal, backstabbing, money grabbing bloke who will want a fortune in wages, be disruptive in the dressing room and really upset fans who have pride in honesty, loyalty and a love of West Ham. What could possibly go wrong?”

If the bloke manages to split opinion so decisively among the fans, it may be reasonable to expect he will do the same in the dressing room.

Not for me.