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West Ham complete Marko Arnautovic signing from Stoke for club-record fee

West Ham have signed Marko Arnautovic for a club-record fee that will net Premier League rivals Stoke up to £25 million.

The 28-year-old Austria international has agreed a five-year deal with the Hammers, who will pay a guaranteed £20m with a further £5m payable on a conditional basis.

The forward, who joins Joe Hart and Pablo Zabaleta in signing for Slaven Bilic's side this summer, told the club's website: "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.

"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."

Hammers joint-chairman David Sullivan, who agreed a deal that should trump the £20.5million paid to Swansea for Andre Ayew last year, 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, who has won 62 caps for his country, joined the Potters from Werder Bremen in 2013, scoring 26 goals in 145 appearances for the club.

Stoke said in a brief statement: "The club would like to take this opportunity to thank Marko for his efforts and wish him well for the future."

Potters boss Mark Hughes has already let veterans Jon Walters and Glenn Whelan leave in preseason, adding Darren Fletcher, Josh Tymon and Chelsea loanee Kurt Zouma.

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