Manuel Pellegrini predicts linked-away West Ham star will soar in 2019/20

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West Ham United manager Manuel Pellegrini believes Marko Arnautovic can get back to his best in 2019/20.

The Austrian scored two goals at the weekend during a 3-0 win over Southampton and appeared to be in fine fettle.

He might have had a hat-trick, only to narrowly miss from a free-kick late on.

Arnautovic is finishing the campaign strongly after a somewhat turbulent season at the London Stadium.

He has had some injury niggles and in January, he was linked with a £35 million move to China (BBC Sport).

The speculation was heavy and many felt as though the 30-year-old would depart given the monstrous wages reportedly being offered.

Reports have suggested that, despite signing a new contract, Arnautovic may still leave this summer (The Daily Mail), but Pellegrini is certainly not thinking about a possible sale.

He said, as quoted by football.london: “This season, exactly the same, when he was mentally involved he played the same and made the difference and I hope that next season, he will be involved in doing a complete season.

“I am sure this season for him will have been a good lesson, he learned some things and I am absolutely convinced next season we will see a great Marko.”

TBR’s view

Pellegrini sounds like he genuinely wants Arnautovic to stick around beyond the summer.

On his day, he can be one of the league’s most dangerous forwards, but there have been questions over his committment and attitude in the past.

It remains to be seen if Pellegrini changes his tune if a huge offer comes in, for a player who is now 30 years old.