It could be all change at West Ham United this summer as Julen Lopetegui embarks on a big squad overhaul.
Julen Lopetegui needs to make some key signings for West Ham in the summer transfer window, if he is to oversee some genuine progress.
The Hammers boss is reportedly prioritising the addition of a proven striker this summer, in a bid to really beef up his attacking ranks.
But it seems as though Lopetegui’s centre-forward department could well be weakened before it gets stronger.
So Michail Antonio could leave the London Stadium this summer it seems, after he came incredibly close to leaving the Hammers in January.
Now a return to Nottingham Forest could be on the cards for the 34-year-old, after reportedly being deemed surplus to requirements at the London Stadium.
I believe that moving Antonio on will be the right move this summer, and the beauty of him leaving is that it would free up space for Lopetegui to bring in someone who’s perfect for his system…
West Ham star exit twist means Julen Lopetegui could sign PL striker
Antonio, 34, has been a fantastic player for the Hammers over the past years, after we signed him from Nottingham Forest for £7 million in 2015.
However, the Jamaica international has regressed badly over the past 12 months.
In my opinion, he’s nowhere near good enough to be leading the line for a top 10 Premier League team anymore.
And if the Hammers do sell Antonio, it may well help facilitate a big signing for us.
West Ham now have a great chance to sign Taiwo Awoniyi in the summer transfer window, in my opinion.
The 26-year-old Nottingham Forest striker if firmly on the Hammers’ radar this summer.
And if Forest sign Antonio, the door will undoubtedly be wide open for West Ham to bring Awoniyi to the London Stadium.
The powerful front-man is absolutely perfect for Lopetegui’s system. He’s strong as an ox, is well-versed in leading the line on his own and is always prepared to make tireless runs into the channels.
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 can be absolutely unplayable.
If West Ham sell Michail Antonio to Nottingham Forest, I fully expect Taiwo Awoniyi to head in the opposite direction.
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