West Ham United may have found a replacement option for Michail Antonio as they look to sign Serhou Guirassy from Stuttgart in the summer transfer window.
The Hammers have been linked to signing the Guinean by the Evening Standard (21 May) as Tim Steidten is a long-time admirer of the striker.
The West Ham technical director is looking to have more control over transfers with Julen Lopetegui being the head coach and Guirassy could be his first potential signing.
Guirassy is said to have a release clause of £15million in his current contract which will make him desirable to many clubs this summer. Stuttgart are resigned to the fact they are set to lose their star striker this summer.
Should West Ham replace Michail Antonio with Serhou Guirassy?
Antonio has been a stalwart for the Hammers since his move from Nottingham Forest in 2015, which has seen him make over 300 appearances.
This season he has been the main recognised number nine under David Moyes and across 21 starts and six substitute showings, he scored six goals and assisted two [FotMob].
Although Jarrod Bowen has scored enough goals to cover the Jamaican’s lack of output, a star striker signing this summer could be ideal.
Guirassy could be that man. This campaign he scored 28 goals and assisted two [FotMob] as he helped guide Stuttgart to Champions League qualification.
He is a tall and physical presence who poses a nightmare for opposition defenders as he consistently wins aerial duels.
Although he is good in the air, his ability with the ball at his feet isn’t lacking as he is positive at holding up the ball and playing through balls.
At £15m he would represent a bargain for Lopetegui and Co. should they play to his strengths as a six-foot-one striker.
Antonio has been a great servant to the club but at 34 years old, slowly phasing him out over time may be beneficial moving forward.
