West Ham now want £85k-a-week star to ‘stay’ at London Stadium

West Ham United striker Michail Antonio is still wanted at the club, transfer insider Dean Jones has informed GiveMeSport.

The 32-year-old is thought to be a target for Wolves, while the Hammers continue to be linked with Lorient’s Terem Moffi, but Jones says there are a couple of people at the London Stadium who are keen for him to stay.

West Ham transfer news – Michail Antonio

Earlier this month, Jones told GMS that Wolves are interested in signing Antonio before the window slams shut.

In terms of incomings, the Daily Express’ Ryan Taylor says West Ham still want Moffi despite having brought in Danny Ings.

According to talkSPORT, the Hammers made a £20m bid for the Nigerian before landing Ings, but it was not enough, as Lorient are looking for a fee closer to £30m.

If West Ham manage to land Moffi, who is also attracting interest from within Ligue 1, they will have four first-team strikers should there be no departures. As well as Antonio and Ings, David Moyes also has Gianluca Scamacca in his squad.

What has Dean Jones said about Michail Antonio and West Ham?

Jones does not think the arrival of another centre-forward would necessarily spell the end for Antonio at West Ham.

When asked if the club signing Moffi or someone else would push him out of the door, the journalist said to GMS: “I don’t think it would guarantee he’s on his way out because there are a couple of people at West Ham that would still like Antonio to stay.

“I think a lot of it will hinge on the player’s feelings towards the situation. He obviously did play at the weekend.”

Read more: January Transfer Window 2023: Confirmed Deals, Rumours and Everything You Need To Know

Could David Moyes keep Michail Antonio, Terem Moffi, Danny Ings and Gianluca Scamacca all happy?

In the long-term, no. It is too many strikers, especially if the Scotsman is going to be using a formation that only employs one No.9.

At some point, at least one of the four would have to leave the London Stadium. And given Wolves’ interest in Antonio, who is earning £85,000 a week, according to Spotrac, you would not rule out the Jamaica international departing now.

What year was the London Stadium built?

2011


2013


2015


2017

With that being said, Scamacca is currently out injured, while new signing Ings has quickly joined him on the sidelines.

As per BBC Sport, the former Aston Villa man is set for a spell in the stands after damaging his knee on his Hammers debut against Everton last weekend. Therefore, maybe it is not impossible that Antonio remains at the London Stadium for a bit longer.

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