Jonty Banks

Fri 27 January 2023 16:10, UK

David Moyes has confirmed West Ham United have “no intention” of selling striker Michail Antonio this transfer window, as relayed by the Evening Standard.

The Hammers forward spoke out on his future at the London Stadium on Thursday, stating that “nothing had been ruled out” and that there are talks with other clubs about a potential transfer (The Footballer’s Football Podcast, 26 January).

The 32-year-old has been linked with a transfer away this month to Chelsea, among other clubs (The Observer Sport, 15 January), but injuries to attacking duo Danny Ings and Gianluca Scamacca have left Antonio as the only fit striker at West Ham.

Speaking to the press (Friday 27 January) ahead of their FA Cup tie against Derby County, Moyes addressed the speculation regarding Antonio’s future.

As reported by the Evening Standard, he said: “Micky is someone who has been talking about his future, rather than the Club.

He added: “We have no intention of doing anything. We want Mick here, playing well, scoring goals and we’ll be happy to have him.”

Crucial

The Hammers have been left with a bare-bones forward line following the injuries to Ings and Scamacca, so the club couldn’t afford to let Antonio go this month – despite his obvious disgruntlement at the situation he finds himself in.

If the striker were to be released, this would leave Moyes with Jarrod Bowen as his only alternative to lead the line in attack, a prospect that won’t fill fans with too much pleasure.

A summer exit, therefore, seems more likely for Antonio after starting just seven Premier League games this season and netting just twice. He is clearly beneath both Scamacca and Ings in Moyes’ pecking order, and this attempt at forcing his way out of the club wouldn’t have helped his relationship with the Scot.

For the moment, however, Moyes must wax lyrical about Antonio and try to help restore the clinical edge that made him one of the most feared strikers in the league over the last two seasons.