'Big questions' - West Ham tipped to sell £15m striker and stalwart star in radical front-line shake-up

West Ham could part ways with strikers Michail Antonio and Danny Ings before both of their contracts expire, with recent reports indicating ‘big questions’ surround their futures.

Both Antonio and Ings are out of contract at the end of this season, setting themselves up to become free agents unless a new deal is agree this campaign. However, Football Insider’s senior correspondent Pete O’Rourke believes that the Irons are set to move for a new striker in the next transfer window, calling the move a ‘top priority’, potentially leaving both the 34-year-old and 32-year-old out on a limb.

If a new striker is acquired in January, Julen Lopetegui may look to offload the forwards in the same window in order to free up some space within the squad, making room for a younger goal-scoring option. It would also aid in lowering the London Stadium wage bill as well as avoiding losing both stars for nothing six months later, if they are to depart on a free transfer.

The modest fees they could receive for the goal-scoring duo, coupled with getting Ings’ estimated £125,000-a-week and Antonio’s £85,000-a-week salaries off the bill could free up plenty of funds if Lopetegui decides the currently injured Niclas Fullkrug needs further back-up.

34-year-old Antonio has been an Iron since 2015, and has since made 311 appearances for the squad, scoring 82 goals and providing 40 further assists. Despite concerns that he may not see out his contract, the Jamaica international has remained a key part of Lopetegui’s squad this season, starting every game for the Irons so far. His last goal for the Irons, however, came in April.

Ings, on the other hand, has played just five minutes of football so far this season and didn’t even make the squad for the Hammers’ most recent fixture against Manchester City. After joining the Stratford club in 2023, Ings has often struggled with his form and has scored just four times in 53 appearances. One of his goals came as a 94th minute equaliser in West Ham’s recent 1-1 draw at Craven Cottage.