by CandH blogger Allen Cummings

News that the bookies have made Marko Arnautovic odds-on for a move to China sometime this summer shouldn’t come as a surprise the anyone.

It doesn’t take too much imagination to recognise all the ingredients are conveniently there like a ‘perfect storm’, for another supposed transfer saga.

Start with his vocal brother-cum-agent, add the speculation that transfer target Maxi Gomez may insist on a guaranteed first team spot before sealing a move to the London Stadium, revisit the previous Chinese connection, chuck in the fact we’re in the middle of the transfer ‘silly season’, where anything goes, then roll them all up together and what have you got?

those famous words uttered by namesake ‘Arnie’ Schwarzenegger in The Terminator – a story that will “be back” time and time again!

Of course the minute there is renewed transfer speculation we hear the old accusation that Marko is a traitor and a divisive influence in the dressing room. But is that really true? Not from what I’ve seen.

The evidence suggests the opposite. The truth is he’s a strong character, ‘one of the lads’ and a popular figure with his team mates. While the China saga last season prompted fury amongst some supporters, the players themselves, who are a different breed to us, saw it differently. Football is their living. They’re all in the same boat – looking to support their families the best way they can.

While supporters preach loyalty, with very few exceptions these days, the players are concerned with reality. If the time is right in their career, who in their right mind is going to turn down the chance to make silly money if it’s presented to them?

The players recognise that, and very few would hold grudges against anyone doing what they might do themselves.

Manuel Pellegrini has made it abundantly clear Marko Arnautovic is very much in his plans for next season. He insists Arnie has a big role to play for the team. The player himself has a new improved deal and wants to stay – he even bought himself a place in the first team photo for next season at the recent Players Awards evening.

I personally believe a revitalised Arnie is good for the team and vital for our ambitions for next season. I certainly want him to stay.  But of course an ‘Arnie Staying’ story doesn’t draw the same attention as an ‘Arnie Going’ story does.

So we might just have to live with the continued speculation until the ‘real’ football talk begins again in August!