Could West Ham’s in-form Michail Antonio be Chelsea’s key January signing?

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West Ham’s versatile right sided player Michail Antonio could be on his way to Stamford Bridge in the January transfer window claim the Sun. They report that Antonio Conte has put the 26-year-old at the top of his shopping list and sees Antonio as a great option with his versatility and quality able to compete with Victor Moses. Conte’s interest is believed to have been sparked by the superb display of the England international, who has been called up but not yet capped, when Antonio won the man of the match award in the EFL Cup defeat for the Blues in October in the only game in which Chelsea have lost since adopting their new formation.

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What would he bring to Chelsea?

The former Nottingham Forest man would bring pace and power to Chelsea on their right hand side and provide competition for Victor Moses as the right wing back, a role that he has played in many times for Slaven Bilic this season and last, although he has shone most when given more attacking freedom. Antonio is also the top scorer with his head in the Premier League this season and would add a different dimension to the Blues game plan moving forwards, with his aerial power added to that already in the squad.

Is a move likely?

Antonio Conte is known to be keen to add depth to his squad, particularly in the wing back position which Antonio would fill so well on the right hand side. Also vitally possesses homegrown status for squad registration purposes which will add value. The sticking point could be that the Hammers won’t allow him to leave cheaply, and Antonio is such a popular figure at the London Stadium that he may be reluctant to risk that popularity to earn the move.

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Verdict

5/10 – A move for Antonio would make perfect sense for Chelsea but West Ham are unlikely to make negotiations easy. Antonio would be a good addition in terms of depth and competition, but is that enough to warrant the likely astronomical fee that Slaven Bilic and co. would demand to allow him to leave? Unlikely.

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