Agbonlahor can’t believe ‘ridiculous’ Michail Antonio update as West Ham slammed
Gabby Agbonlahor has insisted it would be “ridiculous” for West Ham to allow Michail Antonio to leave for Saudi Arabia this summer as his backups are “not good enough”.
The former Aston Villa striker, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, urged the Irons to “get their act together” and sign two additional forwards.
Football Insider revealed on Saturday (22 July) that Antonio is keen to quit West Ham for Steven Gerrard’s Saudi Pro League outfit Al Ettifaq in a deal which could be worth £10million.
It is believed the Irons will not stand in the way of what would be a lucrative move for the 33-year-old in the twilight years of his career.
Antonio managed 14 goals across 48 games in all competitions last term.
He was the club’s top scorer as deals for Gianluca Scamacca and Danny Ings failed to have the desired effect.
Agbonlahor told Football Insider’s Ewan Kingsbury: “I don’t think the time’s right to let him go. It would be ridiculous.
“West Ham need to bring in another striker, not lose one. He was key to the way they played last season.
“I wouldn’t let him go, but I understand why he would want to make that move. He’s just won a European trophy, he’s been at the club a long time – and it’s probably the last chance to get the big bucks.
“I wouldn’t blame him.
“But if you’re West Ham, I don’t see what they do without him. Scamacca isn’t good enough, nor is Danny Ings.
“They need two strikers. They’re in the Europa League and they haven’t signed anyone. They’ve got to get their act together.”
In other news, West Ham confident £40m deal can now be done.