Guangzhou Evergrande join race to sign Arnautovic

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Guangzhou Evergrande have become the latest Chinese Super League (CSL) club to join the hunt to sign highly-rated West Ham striker Marko Arnautovic.

According to Sky Sports, the seven-time CSL champions have identified the Austrian star as their prime target in the winter transfer window, with coach Fabio Cannavaro looking to strengthen in attacking areas.

Arnautovic, who has scored seven Premier League goals this season, also has reportedly drawn interest from Shanghai SIPG. It is understood that Vítor Pereira's side have already launched a 44.7 million U.S. dollars bid for the striker.

Guangzhou Evergrande coach Fabio Cannavaro has reportedly added Marko Arnautovic to his January transfer wish-list. /VCG Photo

West Ham had previously insisted that Arnautovic was not for sale, but the 29-year-old's agent and brother Danijel responded by saying that the former Stoke player wanted to move to China this month to "challenge for titles."

"West Ham bought Marko for peanuts. They paid 20 million pounds for him, which is nothing in the current market,” said Danijel in a statement. "They bought him to keep them in the Premier League last season, and he did that. He took every award at the club; best player, signing of the season and the players' award."

"Now West Ham have a fantastic offer. It is close to double what they paid for him. He wants to go to a new market and challenge for titles. This is what he wants. It is his great desire that West Ham accepts the offer from China."

Manuel Pellegrini (L) is reluctant to let his star striker leave this month as West Ham is on their upward curve. /VCG Photo

It is reported that West Ham manager Manuel Pellegrini, who is no stranger to Chinese football after a two-year stint in charge of Hebei China Fortune, will have the final say on the potential transfer.

Several British media outlets have revealed that Arnautovic has been left out of West Ham's squad for this weekend's visit to Bournemouth, with Pellegrini feeling that he was not in the right state of mind to play.

Arnautovic is under contract with the Hammers until 2022, but the target man has not hidden his desire to move on to pastures new. He appeared to begin saying farewell to the West Ham supporters after he was subbed by Pellegrini against Arsenal last weekend.

Marko Arnautovic waved goodbye to West Ham fans when he left the pitch against Arsenal last weekend. /VCG Photo

Should the deal go through, Arnautovic will be able to secure a huge pay increase in China and Pellegrini remained optimistic that they will find a solution that works for all parties.

"It's an issue that the club must see what is the best for him, for the player, for the club, for everyone," said the 65-year-old Chilean.

"If it's a good deal for both parties we will arrange to be without Marko," he added.

The Austrian's Premier League exit seems like a mere matter of time.