Marko Arnautovic will be tempted by China offer says pundit
Solhekol claimed today that West Ham have received a £35million bid for Arnautovic from an unnamed Chinese club.
The Hammers are desperate not to sell and will likely rebuff any January offers.
But Solhekol thinks the talk of a move from China is just a ruse to try and spark Manchester United and Chelsea into making their own offers for the striker.
"There's a story coming from West Ham United this evening that an unnamed Chinese club have made a £35million offer for Marko Arnautovic," Solhekol said on Sky Sports News.
"They are also offering him a lot more in wages than he's on at West Ham United. As far as West Ham are concerned, he is not for sale.
"He's had such a big impact at the London Stadium since they signed him from Stoke back in July 2017 for £20million.
"Very interestingly, we know that Manchester United were trying to sign him. He was watched personally when he played for Austria by Jose Mourinho. He was wearing a cap.
"Chelsea have also been watching him very closely as well. I wonder if the talk of a bid from a Chinese club is a ploy to get other clubs interested and to make bids for him?
Solhekol posed the theory on Sky Sports News (Image: SKY SPORTS NEWS)
Arnautovic could be off to China if the rumours of a bid are true (Image: GETTY )
Arnautovic has been one of West Ham's best players this season (Image: GETTY )
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"As for as West Ham United, he's not going anywhere."
The frontman is represented by his brother Danijel Arnautovic, who said last year he wanted to move to a Champions League club to take him to the next level.
But Solhekol said: "It would be the next level in terms of wages but not the next level in terms of quality of football.
West Ham: Arnautovic WILL look for move says Dean Ashton
West Ham will be keen to keep hold of the former Stoke man (Image: GETTY )
"If you look at other clubs who have been interesting in signing him - Manchester United and Chelsea - you can understand why his brother and agent is looking at all options.
"He is contracted until West Ham until 2022.
"It's one of those transfer stories where you wouldn't be surprised if it ended up with him signing a new contract at West Ham."