A club in Saudi Arabia, whose identity is currently unknown, have reportedly offered a two-year deal to West Ham United striker Michail Antonio [via Tutto Mercato Web].
They have yet to negotiate a deal with the Hammers and Antonio also has not accepted any sort of offer as of yet – but nevertheless, the Saudi’s intent seems to be apparent.
It is unclear as to whether Antonio is keen to leave the Irons in the summer transfer window. Despite this, with the amount of money available to Saudi Arabian clubs, he may be given an offer that is simply too good to turn down.
At the age of 33, Antonio’s days as a professional footballer are numbered – it would not be surprising to see him take up the offer of a massive contract at the end of his career.
Who else is interested in a move for Michail Antonio?
The unnamed club in Saudi Arabia is not the only club who have been interested in signing Antonio in the last few weeks. A fellow Premier League club, Everton, have also been linked with a move for the player.
Despite this, the Toffees seem to have directed their attention elsewhere – they have opted to sign 19-year-old forward Youssef Chermiti from Sporting Lisbon instead, effectively ruling them out of the race to snap up Antonio.
Should Antonio leave, how can West Ham United replace him?
If Michail Antonio leaves the London Stadium in the ongoing summer transfer window, he will take a certain x-factor in the Hammers’ attacking ranks with him.
While he isn’t the most technically gifted of players, his physicality, explosive pace and unpredictability make him a dangerous striker for backlines to have to deal with.
He is also a very popular player in both the dressing room and with the fans – due to this, his loss will be felt both on and off the pitch.
Should Antonio leave, the Hammers will still be able to call upon Danny Ings to play in the striker position – but as things stand, the former Liverpool man is their only senior striker.
They may look towards Divin Mubama to play up top, instead – but at the age of just 18, is he ready for an extended run in the first team?