Guangzhou Evergrande's hopes dashed as Arnautovic signs new deal

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Highly-regarded Premier League star Marko Arnautovic ended seven-time Chinese Super League champions Guangzhou Evergrande's hopes of bringing him in this winter when he signed a new contract with West Ham on Sunday.

The Hammers announced the deal less than an hour after their shock 4-2 defeat to Wimbledon in the FA Cup fourth round, during which Arnautovic did not feature. The length of the contract extension has not been revealed, but according to Sky Sports, the new deal will see Arnautovic remain at the club until 2023.

The 29-year-old had been the subject of intense transfer speculation, with both Guangzhou Evergrande and Shanghai SIPG in pursuit. Last week, Arnautovic publicly stated his desire to move to China through his agent and brother Danijel, with several British media outlets claiming Evergrande were his preferred destination.

However, West Ham, who are going through a poor run of form, insisted that Arnautovic was not for sale and the striker finally had a dramatic U-turn and signed a new deal.

West Ham's Marco Arnautovic (R) jostles with Arsenal's Shkodran Mustafi during their Premier League clash at London Stadium, January 12, 2019. /VCG Photo

"I want to say to the fans that I'm happy to stay," the Austria international told West Ham's official website. "I'm glad to play again, show myself and score goals, to make assists, but also to say that the major point is Marko Arnautovic never refused [to play or train]. I would never refuse."

"Our target, of course, is to climb as high as possible in the league table. We need to start again taking some points. We know it won't be easy against Wolves away and Liverpool at home. It's never easy in this league but I'm sure we have enough quality to win games and to climb as high as possible in the table and then we'll see."

"The fans gave me the power, they gave me the energy and that's why I have to be here and that's why I want to stay. I never wanted to run away because I hate this club, this was never my intention."

"I love this club and I will always love this club no matter what. You have decisions you have to make in life, but I say from now it doesn't matter what happens I will always love West Ham and it will always be a big part in my life. I love this happiness, so listen, I'm here, I'm ready. I hope the fans are also ready and we go again," he added.