Marko Arnautovic dominated the headlines in English tabloids during the January transfer window, flirting with a move to the cash-rich Chinese Super League. Arnautovic was set for a move to China; however, he made a U-turn and stayed put at West Ham by signing a new improved contract. Yet, it feels like the 29-year-old will leave the Hammers if a big club come calling in the summer.
Arnautovic has been one of West Ham’s chief sources of goals this term, impressing again with his pace, power and clinical finishing. But the Austrian has not started a match for Manuel Pellegrini’s since the 3-0 loss away at Wolves on January 29. He has been in the squad for four of the past six games but has been resigned to a place on the bench, with Pellegrini preferring Javier Hernandez up front.
The 29-year-old Austrian is undoubtedly an asset for the Londoners and despite signing a new contract, it’s unclear whether he’ll stay with the club beyond this season or not. Hence, it’s important for Pellegrini to start plotting potential replacements for Arnautovic from now.
To put things simply, the Hammers should make a move for Brescia star Alfredo Donnarumma this summer.
Alfredo Donnarumma, 28, played a vital role in Empoli’s promotion to the Serie A last season. But he surprisingly left Empoli last summer and joined Brescia in the second tier of Italian football, where he has starred with 24 goals in 24 games across all competitions.
The Italian has been in staggering form in the Serie B this season and at 28, could be open to a move away from his nation. West Ham should attempt to lure Alfredo Donnarumma away from Brescia in order to solve their attacking woes ahead of the 2019/20 campaign.
With Arnautovic’s future uncertain, Andy Carroll out of contract at the end of the season, Lucas Perez out of favour and Javier Hernandez having entered his 30’s, Donnarumma could come in at West Ham and make an immediate impact.
Donnarumma’s record in the lower divisions of Italian football has been excellent in past few seasons and could offer West Ham a goal threat in the air or with the ball at his feet. A quick forward with good technique, dribbling skills, link-up play, and an ability to change the game in one blink of an eye, the Italian’s biggest strengths are his composure in front of goal and ability to create space for his teammates with his movement.
The 28-year-old is effective in the air and his presence in the box would make West Ham’s creative players like Felipe Anderson, Robert Snodgrass and Manuel Lanzini lick their lips. Despite being naturally right footed, Donnarumma is equally adept at finishing off chances with his left foot.
Therefore, signing Donnarumma would be an excellent move for West Ham that could help Pellegrini’s men climb higher up the league table next season.
