Arnie: Pelle’s decision but it’s a no at 35 million euros

CandH Exclusive by Hugh Southon

Marko Arnautovic will NOT be allowed to leave West Ham for 35 million euros and not at all if the manager decides against the move.

Manuel Pellegrini has been given a totally free hand on whether the striker stays or goes and he alone will make the decision.

Claret and Hugh has been told this afternoon (Mon) that whilst the world seems to think the Austrian is on his way, and may even have played his last game for the club, the situation is by no means cut and dried.

We were told a few minutes ago by a very highly placed source: “The manager and the manager alone will make the decision on Arnie’s future once an acceptable offer is made. It’s as simple as that.”

Talking to us by e mail he added: “However, as things stand the offer is simply not good enough and on the basis of that he stays anyway.

“We cannot accept 35 million euros when there is a 20 per cent sell on due to Stoke in a market where he has to be worth around£50 -60 million euros.”

Our source also categorically denied a report in The Times that the offer had been upped to 45 million euros saying: “That is just not true.”