Hammers eye Arnie replacement

There is much speculation over whom the Hammers will move for as a replacement for Marko Arnautovic when the times comes.

As things stand that looks likely to be later rather than sooner but already the list of names is leaking into the public domain with Polish front man Krzysztof Piatek prominent among them.

However, there are mixed reports  on his possible arrival along with that of Callum Wilson but clearly the Irons will be going for a top level replacement with whatever cash they get for Arnie.

Piatek comes in at £40 million – just over  half of the ridiculous price quoted for Wilson – who is unlikely to go for anything near the £75 million apparently wanted by Bournemouth.

Reports out of Europe however, are suggesting there are problems in the Hammers doing a deal for Piatek even though the Irons are likely to have the cash to do so.

According to Football Italia. we have already suffered a blow in the race for him because AC Milan have first refusal on any potential deal for the striker.

However, if  Chelsea and Milan decide to go through with their mutually beneficial striker loan swap between Michy Batshuayi and Gonzalo Higuain, the coast would become clear for West Ham to sign Piatek.

However, Milan could choose the alternative of the Piatek situation leaving us on the back foot in the chase for him.

Piatek has 19 strikes across all competitions this term.