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Tottenham need to make things right with West Ham star

By Rucker Haringey

LONDON, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 15: Michail Antonio of West Ham United during family fun day at London Stadium on February 15, 2017 in London, England. (Photo by Arfa Griffiths/West Ham United via Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 15: Michail Antonio of West Ham United during family fun day at London Stadium on February 15, 2017 in London, England. (Photo by Arfa Griffiths/West Ham United via Getty Images) /
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Tottenham should swoop for Michail Antonio

When he was 14-year-old, Michail Antonio was left in tears after his mother refused to let him join Tottenham in order to focus on his school work. It’s time for Spurs to try again. Acquiring Antonio this summer could be the perfect cure for what ails Mauricio Pochettino’s squad.

All those years ago, Antonio told his mother that she “ruined his life.” While that clearly was the dramatic statement of a devastated teenager, it still could come into play this summer. Tottenham will be on the hunt for wide players and Antonio could fit their needs perfectly.

West Ham have reason to be concerned about Antonio’s future too. The dynamic speedster has flatly refused to discuss a new contract with the Hammers this season. Reportedly the club are staunchly opposed to selling him, but he could force their hand in the offseason if he doesn’t sign a new deal.

Up until now, Chelsea have been the Premier League club most often linked with a summer move for Antonio. Tottenham should insert themselves into the discussion. In many ways, Antonio would be the perfect summer addition for Pochettino.

Spurs have been searching for a dynamic winger ever since Pochettino arrived at White Hart Lane. Clinton N’Jie, Georges-Kevin N’Koudou and Moussa Sissoko were all purchased with the hopes of giving the club a real threat from the wing. It’s safe to say that all three have utterly failed to fill that void to date.

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Antonio could immediately come in and solve Tottenham’s issues on the right side of the pitch. No matter what formation Pochettino chooses to play, Antonio can provide him multiple options. He could play as a right-sided attacking winger or fullback. He’s even been deployed as a striker on several occasions this season. Antonio would be an immensely valuable substitute for Pochettino.

That’s assuming he wouldn’t push his way into a regular spot in the starting XI. Considering the fact that he’s scored eight goals this season in 24 Premier League matches it’s very possible he’d make the right wing position his own. It’s not hard to imagine him overtaking Son Heung-Min or Erik Lamela (if he’s still alive) to seize the starting spot.

Of course, the challenge in this move is assuming that Tottenham and West Ham can enter into reasonable negotiations with one another. There’s no love lost between the London rivals and the Hammers would hate to see Antonio move to North London. Still, money talks, and Tottenham will have some to spend this summer.

Next: Tottenham drama: Sissoko tries to throw Poch under the bus

Michail Antonio moving to Tottenham isn’t a likely outcome of the summer transfer window, but it would be an ideal acquisition for Spurs.

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