Marko Arnautovic: West Ham forward completes £23million transfer to Chinese Super League club Shanghai SIPG
The Austria international leaves the London Stadium two years after joining West Ham from Stoke
Marko Arnautovic has completed his move from West Ham to Chinese Super League outfit Shanghai SIPG for a reported £23million, the Premier League club have confirmed.
The Austrian leaves the Hammers just six months after signing a new five-year contract, having told the club he wanted to go last week.
Arnautovic passed his medical on Friday, and West Ham announced the deal was done on Monday morning.
"West Ham United can confirm that Marko Arnautovic has joined Chinese Super League champions Shanghai SIPG for an undisclosed fee," a club statement read.
"The 30-year-old Austrian departs after two seasons at London Stadium, during which he scored 22 goals in 65 appearances in Claret and Blue."
West Ham ran out of patience with Arnautovic after he asked to leave for the second time, and it is understood the club accepted the low offer in order the shift the forward as quickly as possible.
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The £23million fee is significantly less than the club were offered in January, when they rejected £35million from an unnamed Chinese club.
During the messy transfer saga, the forward's brother Danijel, who is also his agent, criticised West Ham for their treatment of the wantaway star.
Arnautovic's brother said: "He’s not a cow or a horse which you bring to market.
"He’s a highly talented footballer who is simply being used by West Ham. He’s just a number to them.”
After arriving in east London for a club record £20million in July 2017 from Stoke, Arnautovic initially became a fan favourite, and leaves having scored 22 goals in 65 games.
talkSPORT understands the Hammers are working hard to bring a striker into the club, with their options limited as things stand following Andy Carroll's release.
The club have been heavily linked with a £45million move for Celta Vigo forward Maxi Gomez.