West Ham United have reportedly decided that they are willing to sell Michail Antonio and Cheikhou Kouyate this summer.
The Hammers appear to have really captured the imagination during the opening weeks of the transfer window. Manuel Pellegrini’s men have been extremely busy so far, bringing the likes of Lukasz Fabianski, Issa Diop, Ryan Fredericks and now Jack Wilshere to the London Stadium as they look to ensure that they endure nothing like the struggles of last season.
And it appears that Pellegrini is ready to sanction some player sales to balance the squad out. Sky Sports reports on its live transfer blog (09/07; 17:39) that Antonio could be sold if a club offers £15 million, while Kouyate will cost any admirers £10 million (17:52).
Kouyate’s potential departure will probably be deemed the less surprising of the two. West Ham’s midfield looked vulnerable at various points last term and the Senegal international’s underwhelming form was arguably one of the reasons why the defence were often left unprotected.
Antonio’s availability is perhaps a bigger surprise. On his day, the former Nottingham Forest man has been a superb threat for the Irons going forward, and he has provided plenty of goals during his time with the Irons.
However, having endured some difficulties with injury during his time with West Ham, Pellegrini perhaps feels that this summer is the right time to take a gamble and be willing to let Antonio depart for the right price.
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