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Here comes the player strike; The Marko Arnautovic saga

By Adam Smith

LONDON, ENGLAND - JANUARY 12: Marko Arnautovic of West Ham United reacts during the Premier League match between West Ham United and Arsenal FC at London Stadium on January 12, 2019 in London, United Kingdom. (Photo by Catherine Ivill/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND - JANUARY 12: Marko Arnautovic of West Ham United reacts during the Premier League match between West Ham United and Arsenal FC at London Stadium on January 12, 2019 in London, United Kingdom. (Photo by Catherine Ivill/Getty Images) /
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So, after posting a blog yesterday suggesting that West Ham held the cards in the transfer situation, everything is about to change. The one card Marko Arnautovic could play would ultimately force Pellegrini’s hand, and he apparently is about to play it. It’s time for a player strike.

As for most news in the West Ham world, ExWHUemployee released a tweet this morning suggesting the Arnautovic sized fireworks were on their way:

What does it mean? Well not too long after the Sun article was uncovered. Yes, the Sun isn’t reliable when it comes to news usually, but Ex suggested the story would be coming from Arnautovic’s brother/agent which means he probably wouldn’t care about the reputability of the source he blabbed to.

After reports came out all week that Arnautovic was showing up to the training ground as if nothing was wrong, training and giving his all like a professional, it appears he is about to throw a fit due to a failed move to China. Now not in the right mind to play a football match…because he isn’t going to get his way? What a joke.

Oh, but another wrinkle in the story unfolds…

Arnautovic’s brother has now come out stating the move is still on despite rumors of the deal falling through. Firstly, “still on” relies on the fact that the deal was ever on; West Ham have not accepted any offers for the player. Secondly, strike or not, Arnuatovic is under contract at West Ham and is at the mercy of the club to move away despite his brother posturing in the media.

Many understood Ex’s segment in the West Ham Way radio show to mean that despite interest, West Ham would likely hold onto Arnautovic until the summer where they could properly negotiate a deal to move him to China for more money. That is how the Sun story was put together and that is why Arnie’s agent has decided to stir the pot some more.

Next. The changing emotions of West Ham and Arnautovic. dark

The situation was also laid out that the truth would come out when the coach leaves for Bournemouth, suggesting Arnautovic won’t be on it for the team. So much for conducting yourself as a professional and earning a move away. What could have been a short but memorable time with West Ham will be remembered as a bastard acting childish should West Ham’s main man throw a player strike to end his Hammers career.