Michail Antonio told he will not be allowed to leave West Ham this summer

Michail Antonio interview: West Ham's new signings are clicking, but I want my starting place back | Evening Standard

West Ham striker Michail Antonio has been told he will not be allowed to leave the club this summer, despite plenty of interest in his signature, according to West Ham Football.

The editor of 6foot2 shared via his Twitter account on 22 August that the Jamaican will not be allowed to leave due to the club being unable to find a replacement for Gianluca Scamacca so far.

As they are unable to replace Scamacca, the chances of finding a second forward to also replace Antonio sound remote as things stand, so they will not let him leave unless a replacement is signed

Irrespective of Antonio’s future at the club, West Ham are still in need of reinforcements up front and should continue their push to sign new players before the transfer window closes on 1 September.

The Jamaican striker scored a thunderous goal in the 3-1 win over Chelsea and provides David Moyes with the level of physicality he likes to have in his strikers. Moyes prefers a forward that can bully the opposition defence, and Antonio is exactly that.

As they are unable to replace Scamacca, the chances of finding a second forward to also replace Antonio sound remote as things stand, so they will not let him leave unless a replacement is signed.

Behind Antonio, the Hammers’ only other option is Danny Ings. A fantastic finisher and goalscorer, but his consistent injury issues will be a concern that the club need to rectify by bringing in a new forward who can be their main number nine.

In other West Ham news, the club had made a £40million bid for an attacker whose future is now decided.

West Ham have had mixed emotions throughout the last few months. Much of that time was consumed by accepting the reality they’d lose their former captain and club legend Declan Rice. Since then, though, David Moyes has made improvements in the transfer window and has had a good start to the 2023/24 Premier League campaign, with a draw and a win.

Notably, their win came against London rivals Chelsea at home. Despite losing a player through a red card, the Hammers won the game quite comfortably in the end, reminding Mauricio Pochettino that his neighbours are not to be taken lightly.

West Ham United defender Nayef Aguerd is linked back to Rennes

Speaking of the red card, it’s the defender that was sent off, Nayef Aguerd, who is being linked with a move away. That’s right, according to Foot Mercato, Aguerd, who scored the opening goal against Chelsea, is being linked with a move back to his former club Rennes.

Leaving the French club in 2022, they now seek a monumental return for the defender who was always a key component for them. Since joining West Ham he has only improved his game, so now Rennes would like to bring him back where they see him belonging.

Currently serving a suspension following his red card, it is the right amount of time for both David Moyes and Aguerd to decipher whether this move is right for him. What’s important to remember, though, is that the Moroccan defender is under contract until 2027, and is well loved by the manager and fans at West Ham.

Aguerd has started both games in the opening to this 2023/24 Premier League campaign. Scoring a goal and picking up a red card in the same match is a whirlwind of emotions, but let’s not forget that it didn’t sway the result, therefore, no hard feelings towards Aguerd.

Where do you think Nayef Aguerd will play this season?