West Ham United have seemingly finally found a long-term replacement for Michail Antonio.
Michail Antonio has proven to be a vital cog in the West Ham machine, especially during David Moyes’s tenure.
However, at 34 now, Antonio is well past his best. In order to make genuine progress as a team over the next few years, Julen Lopetegui will need to sign a top-class centre-forward.
The Spaniard is said to be very keen on bringing in a replacement for the Jamaica international this summer.
Antonio has been a great servant for the Hammers over the past nine years, but he absolutely cannot lead the line for us next season.
And it seems like Lopetegui has a plan in place to stop that from happening…
West Ham settle on Michail Antonio replacement
Whilst Antonio could still be a decent squad player for us next season, his days at the very highest level are clearly numbered.
Failing to sign a new striker is not an option. With that in mind, our latest transfer target is a really exciting one…
According to Calcio Mercato, the Hammers want to sign Braga striker Simon Banza.
The 27-year-old striker has been in stunning form this season with 23 goals and five assists to his name in 40 games for Braga (Transfermarkt).
Standing at 6ft 2in tall, Banza is an absolute unit, and thrives when mixing it up physically with opposing centre-backs.
He possesses pace in abundance and is a lethal finisher. I have no doubt that the Democratic Republic of Congo international would be a big upgrade on Antonio.
Banza is quicker than the Hammers hitman and is far more composed in front of goal.
If the Braga forward does turn out to be the Antonio replacement, I think that West Ham will be on the right track.
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