[ad_pod ]

West Ham United striker Marko Arnautovic has revealed that he dreams of joining a club who play in the Champions League, per Austrian outlet Krone.

What’s the word?

The striker attempted to leave the Hammers in January, flirting with a move to the Chinese Super League.

He eventually signed a new contract that contains a £45m release clause and, in recent days, the Austria international has been linked with Inter Milan.

And he has now revealed that, while he has a contract in east London, he still harbours hopes of a move to a club playing in Europe’s elite club competition.

He said: “Of course I’m attracted to the Champions League, no matter where.

“But that’s what every footballer will say. I’m very happy in the Premier League, my tendency is not to call my brother (his agent) and say, ‘please get me out of West Ham right now’.”

He added: “Nobody called me, my brother did not call me either, the newspapers like to put my name in the mouth when it comes to transfers. Maybe I’m on a list, but there is nothing concrete, and I have a contract with West Ham.”

Alarm bells

Alarm bells should be ringing at West Ham after their star needlessly spoke of his attraction to Champions League football.

This could be the start of a saga at the London Stadium, particularly given Arnautovic’s history.

The fact that he almost left in January was bad enough but, following that, he endured a major dip in form and went 11 games without a goal.

If that is any indication, these words spell trouble.

A move away from the club is probably what Arnautovic needs, and he is right to be setting his sights on the Champions League, but the Hammers could do without his sweeping statements which continue to disrupt the club.

If he really wants to attract suitors, he needs to get his head down and ensure that, from next season, regardless of his club, he has the correct mentality.

As it is, that does not appear to be the case.