Inter Milan forward Marko Arnautovic turned down the opportunity to re-sign for West Ham before the transfer window closed, according to reports in Italy.

The Austrian left the London Stadium in controversial circumstances back in 2019, leaving to join Chinese Super League side Shanghai Port on a lucrative contract.

Arnautovic ended up moving back to Europe, having had spells at Bologna and Inter but Sky Sport Italia report that he was given the chance to return to the Hammers on Deadline Day.

However, it is believed that he “rejected” the offer, preferring to remain with the Serie A champions despite having limited starting opportunities.

Arnautovic would not have been welcomed back

While the striker did perform well during his two years with the Irons, he agitated for a move away from the club for the best part of six months.

After being the subject of a £35m bid from Shanghai in January 2019, his agent and brother declared that he wanted to leave. Arnautovic did ultimately sign a new deal but it only delayed his departure until the end of the season, when he was offloaded for £22m.

Why did West Ham attempt to re-sign the player?

Head coach Graham Potter does lack options up front. While Jarrod Bowen has returned to fitness, Niclas Fullkrug is expected to be out for some time with a hamstring injury while Michail Antonio is unavailable for the foreseeable future after breaking his leg in a car accident.

Evan Ferguson was recruited on loan from Brighton until the end of the season but the club may have to rely on the inexperienced Irishman more than they would like. Arnautovic’s experience would have taken the pressure off the young striker. Most supporters will, though, be glad that the 35-year-old didn’t end up back in London.

Find out who is in West Ham’s first-team squad for the 2024/2025 season here