West Ham United are reportedly lining up a move to bring in a top-class Michail Antonio replacement this summer.
Michail Antonio has been excellent for West Ham over the past nine years or so, but new boss Julen Lopetegui is obviously planning to make an upgrade on him.
The Spaniard has already been busy in the transfer market, with a deal to sign Fabricio Bruno apparently already completed.
However, one of his main priorities should be to sign a proven centre-forward this summer – a younger and more explosive model than Antonio.
We quite simply cannot head into the new season with the 34-year-old Jamaica international as our number one striker again.
Thankfully, Lopetegui appears to be on the same page…
West Ham want Taiwo Awoniyi to replace Michail Antonio
Nottingham Forest hitman Taiwo Awoniyi has actually been on the Hammers radar for quite some time now, dating back to 2022.
And it seems like West Ham could now be back in the hunt for the Nigerian marksman.
Athletic journalist Daniel Taylor claims that West Ham are still in for Awoniyi, after David Moyes was keen on signing him previously.
Taylor said, “Awoniyi is another player getting interest from potential buyers. I know Forest would rather keep him though. Chelsea tried for him in the January transfer window. David Moyes was also keen and West Ham still like him.”
The award-winning journalist went on to say, “His value has diminished because of the number of games he has missed through injury. But we’ve seen what he can do when he’s in good condition.”
Sure, Awoniyi has endured problems with injuries in the past. He missed 12 games for Forest last season, and 15 the previous campaign (Transfermarkt).
When he is in tip-top condition though, the 26-year-old is an absolute powerhouse.
He possesses pace in abundance, is always willing to make unselfish runs into the channels and occupies opposing defenders throughout the entirety of games.
Despite his injury record, I think it will be worth West Ham taking a punt on him this summer. Taiwo Awoniyi could transform us as an attacking force.
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