Sources: Multiple clubs ready to swoop for Antonio if West Ham talks collapse
A number of clubs are ready to swoop for Michail Antonio if he can’t agree a new deal with West Ham, sources have told Football Insider.
Football Insider revealed on Monday (18 September) that the Irons have opened talks with the 33-year-old striker over a new contract.
Antonio‘s current deal expires in June 2024 with the London club holding the option to extend his stay a further 12 months.
But until West Ham activates that option, Antonio is currently able to discuss a pre-contract agreement with foreign clubs from 1 January.
The Jamaica international was the subject of offers in the summer transfer window, with Saudi Arabian outfit Al Ettifaq the most interested in signing him.
A host of Premier League sides, including Wolves, Everton and Nottingham Forest, have previously been linked with a move for the veteran.
But it is believed that Antonio remains a key part of the plans for the Irons’ future as they embark on another season of European participation.
In turn, Football Insider revealed on Tuesday (19 September) that the forward is happy to stay at West Ham and could receive a pay hike on his current £85,000-a-week deal.
He has scored two goals in five appearances this term.
The ex-Reading star is the all-time record goalscorer for the Irons in the Premier League era, notching 63 goals in 233 appearances in the top flight.
Antonio, who has also played as a winger and a right wing-back, managed 10 league goals in three consecutive seasons between 2019 and 2022.
In other news, the real reason West Ham’s midfielder deal collapsed.