West Ham slammed for considering £10m Saudi Arabia exit for key attacker: ‘It would be ridiculous’

Former Aston Villa striker Gabby Agbonlahor insists it would be “ridiculous” for West Ham to allow one of David Moyes’ star men to leave for Saudi Arabia this summer.

It was revealed last week that Michail Antonio could end up following Liverpool skipper Jordan Henderson to Saudi Pro League side Al Ettifaq in a deal which could be worth £10million.

Al Ettifaq, who are managed by Steven Gerrard, are hoping to lure the Hammers frontman and it’s reported that West Ham will not stand in the way of the 33-year-old making the lucrative switch.

However, Agbonlahor has urged the London Stadium outfit to “get their act together” and sign two additional forwards.

Antonio scored 14 goals across 48 games in all competitions last term as the Hammers narrowly avoided the drop but ended up tasting trophy success by winning the Europa Conference League.

He was comfortably the club’s top scorer after fellow strikers Gianluca Scamacca and Danny Ings largely failed to deliver.

And Agbonlahor, speaking to Football Insider about a potential exit for Antonio, said: “I don’t think the time’s right to let him go. It would be ridiculous.

“West Ham need to bring in another striker, not lose one. He was key to the way they played last season.

“I wouldn’t let him go, but I understand why he would want to make that move. He’s just won a European trophy, he’s been at the club a long time – and it’s probably the last chance to get the big bucks.

“I wouldn’t blame him. But if you’re West Ham, I don’t see what they do without him. Scamacca isn’t good enough, nor is Danny Ings.

“They need two strikers. They’re in the Europa League and they haven’t signed anyone. They’ve got to get their act together.”

Hammers on the hunt for new signings

Despite not getting another striker on board as yet, West Ham are being linked with a move for young Manchester City attacker Carlos Borges.

A verbal agreement over a permanent deal worth £14m is believed to have been struck for the Portugal Under-19 international, who plays mainly as a winger but has been tipped to eventually feature centrally.

But in terms of incomings, midfield continues to be the main focus of attention for Moyes after Declan Rice’s big-money exit to Arsenal.

A deal for Southampton star James Ward-Prowse could happen ‘very quickly’ if the two clubs can agree on a fee, while the Hammers continue to be linked with Chelsea’s Conor Gallagher and Manchester United star Scott McTominay.

READ MORE: ‘First bid submitted’ as European suitors aim to beat Irons to Declan Rice replacement