West Ham United confirm Marko Arnautovic signing

Stoke City's Austrian striker Marko Arnautovic celebrates after scoring the opening goal of the English Premier League football match between Stoke City and Chelsea at the Britannia Stadium in Stoke-on-Trent, central England on November 7, 2015.
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West Ham United confirm the signing of Marko Arnautovic from Stoke City on a five-year deal for a fee which could rise to £25m.

West Ham United have confirmed the signing of Marko Arnautovic from Stoke City on a five-year deal.

Arnautovic made clear his desire to leave the bet365 Stadium earlier this summer, and he has now completed his switch to the London Stadium, joining the Hammers for an initial club-record fee of £20m which could rise to £25m.

The 28-year-old puts pen to paper on a long-term contract which will keep him at the club until 2022, becoming West Ham's third signing of the summer after Joe Hart and Pablo Zabaleta.

"It feels special to me to be a West Ham player. Everyone knows that West Ham is a big club, with big history and I'm happy to be a part of it now. I can't wait to get started," he told the club's official website.

"I played against West Ham at the old stadium – I didn't play last year at the new stadium because I was suspended – but I came to the game and I can only say it is a massive club with a lot of fans. They are crazy for football and this is what I like. The club is still growing, getting better and better and that's why I'm here."

Co-chairman David Sullivan added: "We're delighted to have completed Marko's transfer from Stoke City.

"Alongside Pablo Zabaleta and Joe Hart we have brought in three players with vast Premier League experience this summer, and that was one of our key targets as we look ahead to the new season. Marko will bring plenty of quality to our front line and I'm excited to see him in a claret and blue shirt."

Arnautovic scored 26 goals and registered 32 assists in 146 games during a four-year stay at Stoke.

West Ham United manager Slaven Bilic on the touchline during his side's Premier League clash with Everton at Goodison Park on October 30, 2016
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