Chelsea are showing a keen interest in signing West Ham midfielder, Michail Antonio, as Antonio Conte is looking to bolster his squad in the January transfer window.
The Premier League leaders are in the market for attacking reinforcement following the departure of Oscar, and Conte may have found his man in Antonio to fill the void. The best thing about Antonio is his versatility. He has been the star performer for the Hammers this season, and has played at right-back, left wing, right wing and even up front as a lone striker.
Antonio has played in a variety of positions in Slaven Bilic’s 3-5-2 formation, and would seamlessly fit into Conte’s system at Chelsea. Furthermore, his homegrown status makes him an attractive proposition for the Blues, as they are looking to boost their quota.
The 26-year-old impressed during West Ham’s EFL Cup win over Chelsea earlier this season, and the Blues are monitoring his situation closely.
Conte is believed to be interested in signing a striker in January, with Swansea City’s top scorer, Fernando Llorente being recently linked with a move. The Italian has showed little faith in the Belgian striker, Michy Batshuayi, and is keen to add Llorente to his ranks with whom he has worked previously during his time at Juventus.
Antonio would be a smart signing for the Blues. The West Ham midfielder not only can perform multiple roles, but also is the club’s top scorer this season with eight goals. It remains to be seen whether Chelsea step up their interest with a concrete offer, and how West Ham react to it. In all probability, the Hammers will resist all temptations thrown at them to sell their star player, but things can change if the club find Chelsea’s offer too good to turn down.
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