West Ham told to complete double deal after Gallagher update – ‘get it done now’, says Agbonlahor
Gabby Agbonlahor has insisted West Ham must “line up” Declan Rice replacements “now” amid links to Conor Gallagher and Kalvin Phillips.
The former Aston Villa striker, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, claimed the Irons must not “scramble around” with their captain now looking set to leave the club.
According to the London Evening Standard (11 April), West Ham are ready to revive interest in Gallagher and Phillips as they target potential replacements for Rice this summer.
Football Insider revealed on 31 March that Arsenal have made Rice their top target – with the Irons expected to hold out for a fee of £100million for their prize asset.
The West Ham captain has played every single minute in the Premier League this season with the Londoners under threat of relegation to the Championship.
Meanwhile, Gallagher and Phillips have not been first-choice for their respective sides in the 2022-23 campaign.
Agbonlahor told Football Insider’s Ewan Kingsbury: “Gallagher wouldn’t replace Rice because he’s more of a number eight than a number six.
“But he would definitely add something to that midfield.
“If they can get him plus someone like Kalvin Phillips, then I think that’s where you look.
“I think West Ham have got to be very careful with how they go about this summer. They’re going to be a lot worse off next season without Rice.
“They’ve got to be smart and do their planning now. They’ve got to get it done now.
“You can’t be scrambling around in the summer. They should have the players lined up already.”
In other news, two £10m-plus West Ham deals on the cards.