By Gabriel Agbonlahor

21st Sep, 2023 | 2:37pm

Agbonlahor tells West Ham to complete striker signing after Antonio opens talks - 'it's when, not if'

Gabby Agbonlahor has urged West Ham to sign a new striker in January to protect against inevitable injury problems for first-choice Michail Antonio.

The former Aston Villa striker, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, suggested Danny Ings, 31, is “not at the level” to deputise for Antonio.

West Ham face Backa Topola in the Europa League on Thursday (21 September), the first of three games for David Moyes’ side in the next six days.

Antonio, who is in talks with the Irons over a new contract, has started all five games in the 2023-24 season so far – scoring twice.

Football Insider revealed on Monday (18 September) that West Ham are primed to move for a new striker in January after failing with moves for Yuri Alberto and Hugo Ekitike in the summer.

Ings is the only other senior back-up striker at the London Stadium after the sale of Gianluca Scamacca.

When asked if a new striker has to be the priority in January, Agbonlahor told Football Insider’s Ewan Kingsbury: “100%. Antonio, similar to myself, struggles with hamstring injuries.

“When you’re that quick and strong, you’re always going to get muscle injuries.

“It’s when, not if.

“Antonio shouldn’t be playing in the Europa League groups. They need another player to come in and start, but Danny Ings isn’t at that level.

“They definitely need to get another one in January, or you could be looking at bringing someone from the Under-23s or playing Benrahma as a false nine.

“They’ve definitely got to watch Antonio’s minutes.”

In other news, Football Insider reveals the real reason West Ham transfer collapsed.