Forest should seize upon Hammers’ Yarmolenko move to re-sign Michail Antonio

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Nottingham Forest are in the market for a new winger and West Ham United may now have one spare.

According to a report by Sky Sports, West Ham United are closing in on a deal for Borussia Dortmund’s Andriy Yarmolenko – a deal which Championship side Nottingham Forest should see as an opportunity.

The report claims that the Hammers have agreed a £17.5 million fee with Dortmund for the player, and that he will now undergo a medical at the east London club’s training base in Switzerland.

West Ham signing Yarmolenko will bolster their wide options with the Ukraine international predominantly an attacking right winger, a position previously occupied by former Forest man Michail Antonio.

Antonio found first-team opportunities at West Ham more difficult last season following an initial impressive spell at the club, making just 16 Premier League starts with his last appearance coming in March.

Yarmolenko will limit the player’s chances of first-team football further, therefore it could be an opportunity for Aitor Karanka’s Forest to try and bring him back to the City Ground in what would be an ambitious move.

The Reds have already made some cracking signings this summer as Karanka looks to mount a promotion-challenging squad, bringing in the likes of Portugal youngster Joao Carvalho and striker Lewis Grabban.

A recent report in the Mirror (live transfer thread, July 8^th at 15:54) claims Forest are interested in signing former Newcastle United winger Yasin Ben El-Mhanni, an indication of the club’s next intentions to strengthen their wide areas.

Antonio may feel he is still better than Championship level, yet he enjoyed a successful spell at Forest and was adored by the City Ground fans so he may still hold a strong interest in the east Midlands club.

With the Reds spending big under Greek owner Evangelos Marinakis, the former Sheffield Wednesday man could see them as only a temporary Championship club with the potential to establish themselves in the top-flight in the near future.

Forest are now being viewed as a club going places and adding a player of Antonio’s ability to their ranks would certainly see them capable of challenging for automatic promotion as early as this season.