West Ham tipped to sign ‘another Antonio’ as contact made over two potential January captures – pundit
Noel Whelan has insisted the addition of a centre-back and a centre-forward would be the “ideal” January window for West Ham.
The former Leeds striker, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, suggested the Irons need a new striker to ease the pressure on 31-year-old Michail Antonio.
Football Insider exclusively revealed on Monday (13 December) that West Ham have made an approach to sign Sparta Prague front man Adam Hlozek.
The 19-year-old has been involved in 17 goals this term, with a hugely impressive 12 assists supplementing his five goals from 26 games.
According to Goal (3 December), West Ham have “made contact” with £13m-valued Basel forward Arthur Cabral, 23, ahead of the winter window opening – with Newcastle also interested.
Cabral has been in inspired form this term, scoring 27 goals and supplying eight assists across 28 games in all competitions.
When asked about the two strikers’ potential arrivals, Whelan told Football Insider‘s Ewan Kingsbury: “Either could be a great signing. I do believe they need another option up there.
“They’re light in that area since letting go of Sebastian Haller and they never brought in another striker.
“They need to go down that route, for sure. A centre-back and a centre-forward in January would be the ideal window.
“Moyes can’t keep playing Bowen up there as a false nine, he needs a natural option. Someone like Antonio who can take the pressure off him by coming in – running into those channels, creating the space, and scoring goals.
“Centre-back and centre-forward is the only two positions where I would really expect West Ham to do any business in January.
“They’re very well-stocked everywhere else, and they’re ready to mount a serious challenge to the top four.”
West Ham sit fourth in the Premier League following a 0-0 away draw against Burnley on Sunday (12 December).
Antonio has failed to register a top-flight goal since 31 October.
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