West Ham have categorically ruled out selling club-record signing Mark Arnautovic to Manchester United this summer, reports the London Evening Standard.
Arnautovic has emerged as a surprise transfer target for United and Jose Mourinho was even pictured watching Austria’s friendly against Russia on Wednesday night, fuelling more speculation.
The 29-year-old only joined West Ham 12 months ago but has developed into their most important player after overcoming a difficult start to life in east London.
Mourinho wants to sign a new striker to ease the burden on Romelu Lukaku and appears to have lost patience with Marcus Rashford and Anthony Martial in that role.
The United manager worked with Arnautovic at Inter during the 2009/10 campaign but described the Austria international as a nice person but with the attitude of a child.
Mourinho is reportedly also weighing up a shock move for Juventus striker Mario Mandzukic.
Arnautovic finished his first season at West Ham with 11 goals. No West Ham player has netted more in a single Premier League campaigns since Marlon Harewood scored 14 times in the 2005/06 campaign.
