West Ham can unearth huge Antonio upgrade in £9m-rated gem who gives “a new dimension” - opinion

It is seemingly the worst kept secret in football that West Ham United are in pursuit of a new centre-forward addition, having as yet failed to replace £45m flop Sebastian Haller following his departure for Ajax in January 2021.

The Hammers had reportedly been eyeing a move for Benfica’s 22-year-old hotshot Darwin Nunez in January, although failed with what would have been a club-record bid on deadline day, leaving them scrambling once again this summer to acquire a suitable alternative to Michail Antonio.

According to recent reports, David Moyes may well have found his man, with respected insider Claret and Hugh naming Arsenal striker Eddie Nketiah among a list of possible striking targets ahead of this summer. Reports from Football Insider last month also suggested that the Irons were in the chase for the forward.

The 22-year-old, Gunners academy graduate faces an uncertain future at the Emirates with his existing deal set to expire in June, having also rejected potential offers of an extension from the club.

The player himself revealed that he may wait until the end of the campaign before making a decision as to where he will be plying his trade next term, although respected journalist Charles Watts has admitted that he thinks it unlikely that the forward will remain in north London beyond the summer.

That decision could be to West Ham’s gain, with Moyes and co offering an attractive destination, with Champions League qualification still a possibility should they run out winners in the Europa League.

A move for a new forward addition is seemingly a necessity for GSB in the upcoming window, with the club simply unable to rely on Michail Antonio as the sole, senior centre-forward for another campaign.

The Jamaica