Sam Allardyce Claims West Ham Risk Another Payet Situation if Marko Arnautovic Isnt Sold

​Sam Allardyce believes West Ham should cash in on Marko Arnautovic this January transfer window, or risk being stuck with another Dimitri Payet situation.

The Austrian forward has been clear in the window of his intentions to make the financially-motivated switch to the Chinese Super League, even going as far as to wave goodbye to Hammers's fans during the club's recent win over Arsenal.

Speaking on Goals on Sunday, ex-​West Ham manager Sam Allardyce feels the club should cash in on the 29-year-old, and learn from previous mistakes made in the transfer window.

“He’s the type of player that, when he wants to leave, you’re better off cashing in," said Allardyce, as quoted by ​Football London.

"His mentality will change. If the money is what they’re willing to take, they’re better taking it. Otherwise he might be one of those that’s switched off. You don’t want another situation like Payet."

The former ​Everton boss was referencing to Dimitri Payet, who in January 2017, refused to play for the club, instead going on strike to force a move to Marseille. The Hammers eventually succumbed to the player's wishes, accepting a £25m bid which saw the player return to France.

In response to the statement from the brother and agent of Marko Arnautovic this afternoon, the Club has issued the following: pic.twitter.com/6A2p3glFhg

— West Ham United (@WestHamUtd) January 10, 2019

​​However, despite ​Arnautovic's wish to move to China, it appears any potential deal could now be dead in the water after Guangzhou Evergrande reportedly ​withdrew their £45m offer for the striker, meaning the player could be forced to see out the season in east London.

The £25m signing from Stoke has been in fine form for West Ham this campaign, where he has been utilised mainly as a striker, scoring seven goals in 16 ​Premier League appearances.

Source : 90min