By YASEEN ZAMAN
Published: | Updated:
West Ham have reached an agreement to sign a seasoned Premier League striker as they look to replace the long-serving Michail Antonio.
Antonio has been a cornerstone at the London Stadium since arriving from Nottingham Forest in 2015, and is the Hammers‘ top goalscorer in Premier League history.
But with his contract now expired and no fresh terms agreed, the Jamaica international will depart the club before the window closes.
Antonio, 35, returned to football after a horror car crash last December, who played or West Ham’s Under 21s in a pre-season friendly last month.
While the club have pledged to support him through his comeback, he has been officially listed as a free agent.
As a result, West Ham have turned to another experienced veteran to head their attack, striking a deal to sign former Newcastle striker Callum Wilson on a free transfer, as per The Athletic.
West Ham have reportedly agreed a one-year deal with free agent striker Callum Wilson
Wilson could replace fellow veteran Michail Antonio, who is likely to depart West Ham
West Ham have already signed three players this summer, including Kyle Walker-Peters
Wilson has reportedly had his medical with the east London club, whom he will join on a one-year deal.
The 33-year-old endured an injury-ridden campaign at Newcastle last season, starting just two Premier League games and scoring one goal in all competitions.
At the start of July, he announced his departure from the club as a free agent.
During his spell on Tyneside, Wilson scored 49 goals in 130 games. In 2022-23, the forward netted a career-best 18 league goals.
His bright form even earned him a call-up to Gareth Southgate’s England squad at the 2022 World Cup, where he played once against Iran in a group phase match.
Prior to his stint at Newcastle, Wilson shone at Bournemouth, scoring 67 goals in 187 appearances and playing a pivotal role in their promotion to the Premier League in 2015.
Wilson would be West Ham’s fourth summer addition, with Jean-Clair Todibo’s loan move from OGC Nice being made permanent, El Hadji Malick Diouf joining from Slavia Prague, and Kyle Walker-Peters arriving as a free agent after leaving Southampton.
West Ham are still targeting a goalkeeper, central midfielder and a winger this transfer window
As for their remaining summer business, Mail Sport understands that West Ham’s top priority is a new goalkeeper, due to growing questions over the ability of current No 1 Alphonse Areola.
Central midfielders are also high on the shopping list, with Graham Potter also desiring another winger following Mohammed Kudus’ exit.
West Ham insiders spent the start of the window stressing they needed to sell before they could buy due to PSR concerns.
And for more signings to be made, the club will likely need to get more players out the door.
