West Ham offer new and improved contract to Chelsea transfer target — report

From his start at non-league Tooting & Mitcham, to becoming a Premier League standout at West Ham and even getting a call-up to the England national team, Michail Antonio’s career has already taken quite a few unexpected twists and turns. His current form with the Hammers has prompted plenty of interest from in the transfer market, with Chelsea reportedly leading the charge for his signature.

As often the case however, said interest has not resulted in a transfer, but instead in an improved contract for the 26-year-old. According to the Guardian, Antonio is set to sign a new five-and-a-half year deal with West Ham, doubling his wages from £35,000 to £70,000 per week in the process.

The Guardian reports that the major reason behind Antonio's new contract was indeed Chelsea's interest in his services.

With Antonio off the radar, Chelsea will have to look at new targets to provide depth at right wing-back and all the other positions that the versatile Antonio would’ve been able to fulfill.