Shanghai SIPG target Arnie is a true terminator

Drama guaranteed if maverick striker's blockbuster move to China materializes

Marko Arnautovic will provide goals and drama in equal measure if he completes his proposed move from West Ham to Shanghai SIPG.

The volatile striker, affectionately known as 'Arnie' to Hammers fans, was reportedly the subject of a $44 million offer from SIPG last week.

West Ham declared the Austria international is not for sale but the club is believed to be holding out for an improved bid.

The player's agent and brother Danijel Arnautovic said his client had a "great desire that West Ham accept the offer from China".

Both The Daily Mail and Sky Sports have reported that West Ham is lining up Celta Vigo's Maxi Gomez as a replacement for Arnautovic.

However, Sky also adds that Hammers boss Manuel Pellegrini will have the final say over whether Arnautovic, who has three and a half years remaining on his contract, is allowed to leave.

SIPG is said to be offering Arnautovic wages of around $260,000 per week in a four-year deal, despite the introduction of a new salary cap for Chinese Super League teams in the forthcoming season, which kicks off in March.

Arnautovic appeared to bid Hammers fans farewell as he clapped and waved to the crowd when he was substituted in Saturday's 1-0 victory over Arsenal.

If he does depart, Chinese fans should prepare themselves for an entertaining show from one of the English Premier League's most colorful characters.

Labeled 'Mad Marko' by media, the 29-year-old has the potential, both with his explosive play and personality, to eclipse SIPG's big-money Brazilian pair Oscar and Hulk in China.