West Ham could be about to sign the perfect Antonio partner as approach made for 33 goal/assist striker – pundit
West Ham could complete a “shrewd” January deal for red-hot Basel striker Arthur Cabral in order to take the strain off Michail Antonio, according to Kevin Campbell.
The former Arsenal striker, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, insisted the 23-year-old could be the “answer” for the Hammers as their schedule intensifies.
According to Goal (3 December), West Ham have “made contact” with Cabral ahead of the winter window opening – with Newcastle also interested.
The Brazillian has been in inspired form this season, scoring 25 goals and contributing eight assists across 27 games.
Antonio is currently the only senior recognised striker at the London Stadium.
Campbell urged West Ham to draft in some cover in the eventuality that the Jamaica international suffers an injury.
“They’ll have to be clever with Antonio, and Cabral could be that answer,” he told Football Insider‘s Ewan Kingsbury.
“He’s so physical, so all-action, strong, aggressive, and quick. But if he gets injured, they are seriously going to miss him.
“Getting someone else in who can take the strain off Antonio if you wanted to rest or rotate him at times, oh my, that would be a really shrewd move for David Moyes in January.”
Cabral’s Basel contract expires in the summer of 2023.
West Ham currently sit fourth in the Premier League after winning eight of their first 15 top-flight games this term.
They have also progressed to the latter stages of the League Cup and Europa League.
The Hammers take on Burnley at Turf Moor on Sunday (12 December).
In other news, pundit claims West Ham could seal loan-to-buy deal from Premier League giants in January.