Marko Arnautovic Contract Extension Confirmed by West Ham United

Marko Arnautovic has ended speculation he will leave West Ham United during the January transfer window by signing a contract extension with the Premier League side.

The London club confirmed the news via its official website on Saturday, barely minutes after the Hammers lost 4-2 to League One side AFC Wimbledon in the fourth round of the 2019 FA Cup.

Although no details about the length of the extension were revealed, Sky Sports News has reported the prolific striker has extended his previous contract by a year:

Arnautovic made it clear he's happy with his decision:

"I love this club and I will always love this club no matter what. You have decisions you have to make in life, but I say from now it doesn't matter what happens I will always love West Ham and it will always be a big part in my life. I love this happiness, so listen, I'm here, I'm ready. I hope the fans are also ready and we go again."

The 29-year-old addressed his relationship with West Ham fans and refuted any suggestion he was unwilling to play unless he was allowed to leave: "I'm happy for this and I want to say to the fans that I'm happy to stay. I glad to play again, show myself and score goals, to make assists, but also to say that the major point is Marko Arnautovic never refused (to play or train). I would never refuse."

Arnautovic also spoke to the fans via a video posted on the team's Twitter account, during which he urged them not to listen to those outside the club:

The news should be welcome for a team that's endured a miserable run of back-to-back defeats in all competitions. Even so, some couldn't help but find humour in the announcement's unfortunate timing, coming as it did so soon after an embarrassing cup exit against a team that's in the bottom of English football's third tier:

Regardless of the timing, the news can only be a good thing for the Hammers. Arnautovic's become the attacking talisman for the team since both David Moyes and the Scot's successor, Manuel Pellegrini, deployed him as a lone striker.

Arnautovic has delivered in the key role, finding the net eight times and chipping in with two assists in all competitions this season. His mix of power and technique make him an ideal modern striker, one able to play with his back to goal to hold the ball up and bring others into play.

The latter quality is especially useful in a squad that features creative wide players Felipe Anderson and Robert Snodgrass. Pellegrini's version of free-flowing football clicks when Arnautovic is leading the line.

This is also a major boost for Pellegrini, who is struggling to coax consistency from an expensive squad. By confirming Arnautovic is staying, the Hammers have ended speculation that involved reports of an offer worth £36 million from a Chinese Super League club thought to be Shanghai SIPG.

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Arnautovic took to Instagram on Friday to assure fans he would stay at the London Stadium despite the lucrative offer, per BBC Sport.

He's always been a temperamental player and has never stayed far from controversy for long. Yet there's no denying the positive impact the maverick talent can have on the pitch.

West Ham will hope officially ending this brewing transfer saga can get their best player back on track, starting with Tuesday's league game away to Wolverhampton Wanderers.