Crystal Palace are lining up Michail Antonio as a replacement for Wilfried Zaha if he leaves, according to Football Insider.
However, West Ham mustn’t allow the 29-year-old to go, especially not to a rival club such as Palace.
The Hammers don’t currently have a single player with Michail Antonio’s diverse skill set, as he is an incredible threat when powerfully running forward with the ball but is also an aerial threat in the box- having aerial duels cited as very strong on WhoScored and dribbling as one of his strengths.
Antonio made a telling contribution this season, scoring six goals and assisting four in the Premier League from 22 starts and 11 substitute appearances– including the first ever away goal and winner at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
He also has versatility, which is unparalleled in the side, having played at right wing, right back, left wing and as a striker.
The 29-year-old isn’t the most polished of players, having completed just 68.1% of his passes this campaign, but it can’t be doubted that he is a threat and a very useful man for Manuel Pellegrini to have at his disposal.
The Chilean is looking to overhaul the squad, which could make the money from any potential sale appealing, but it is important to keep players at the club who can have an impact next season and Antonio is certainly one of those.
He has popped up at important moments in so many different ways this campaign: from powering past Gaëtan Bong before assisting Marko Arnautovic against Brighton & Hove Albion to the finesse of his touch and finish against Fulham.
Selling Antonio would certainly take an effective option away from West Ham’s arsenal; things would be even worse if they sold him to Palace, as it would be strengthening a direct rival.
Antonio is the sort of player every club in and around West Ham should be looking for, there is no way the Hammers can let him leave.
