OPINION
With Crystal Palace reportedly in talks to sign Swansea City’s Jordan Ayew, West Ham must use Michail Antonio to sign him ahead of their PL rivals this summer.
As reported by the Independent, Palace are locked in talks with Swansea over a potential deal for Ayew this summer, as they look to strengthen their striking options this summer.
However, the report also reveals that Roy Hodgson’s side have been in talks with the Hammers over the signing of Michail Antonio, who is viewed as an alternative to the Swansea man this summer, with it being claimed that Antonio is not part of Pellegrini’s plans.
As such, West Ham should use Antonio as a makeweight in order to sign Ayew, the striker they so desperately need.
His brother Andre left The London Stadium to re-join his former club Swansea in January, after signing for the Hammers for a reported £21million in 2016. He went on to score 12 goals and provide five assists in 50 games for the Irons.
Andre was a decent player, but Jordan is the younger, quicker and more talented version of the current Fenerbahce striker.
In a very poor Swansea side, (Jordan) Ayew managed an impressive 12 goals and six assists in 58 games for the Swans, proving his ability and competence to score goals even when no service is provided.
The 26-year-old, who earns £50,000-per-week at The Liberty Stadium (Source: Spotrac), is also a very versatile and mobile attacker, able to play as a central striker, off the front or in both wide areas, making him a good option for managers to have.
With the style of play that Pellegrini will insist on, Ayew would be a great fit for the system as even if he plays centrally, he can drop off the front and play as a false nine, combining with his teammates and linking the play together.
They reportedly don’t even want Antonio, so it would be an easy deal to do and someone needs to make the call before the deadline.
