West Ham United duo Michail Antonio and Maxwel Cornet are both seen as “cash-raising” players ahead of the January transfer window, according to Claret & Hugh.
The reliable journalists shared in their article (8 December) that the Hammers see the two attackers as marketable assets to fund a move for a brand-new striker.
It’s reported that West Ham see senior figure Antonio as a player who could be included in a cash-plus player deal whilst Cornet appears to be simply unfancied by David Moyes.
A key source told Claret & Hugh that both players could well be on their way in January with Antonio facing a fight to claim his spot back with Jarrod Bowen impressing as Moyes’ main man up front.
Go ahead
Like many other clubs in the Premier League, West Ham United will need to sell some of their marketable stars if they are to fund moves to address some pressing areas of their squad.
Right now, a striker is of considerable importance for Moyes given Antonio and Danny Ings’ struggles at the London Stadium currently, hence their desperate alternative in utilising Bowen as the main man – a decision which has proven fruitful so far.
However, signing a striker or even a reputable or consistent goalscorer is incredibly difficult so there are certainly no guarantees but the Hammers will be busy with several sales and Cornet and Antonio are certainly options to consider in order to raise funds.
The Jamaican international might well be past his best at the London Stadium having not scored for West Ham United since their win over Brighton back in August, while Cornet has become an unfortunate afterthought under Moyes.
Several clubs around Europe will be desperate for a player of Cornet’s quality but it remains to be seen whether the Hammers will be able to recoup the £17m they paid for him back in the summer of 2022.
Antonio may be a more difficult sell given his struggles in front of goal and injury issues but his time in East London is certainly drawing to its inevitable end.