The Hammers cannot sell West Ham winger Jarrod Bowen to London rivals Arsenal, following reports that the Gunners are interested in his services.
Reports from The Beautiful Game Podcast have emerged in the past week, suggesting that Arsenal want to acquire the signature of valuable Hammers winger Bowen this summer.
The 25-year-old, who arrived from Hull City in 2020, has had an incredible season for West Ham – earning himself a call up to the England national squad for this summer’s Nations League fixtures.
He scored 18 goals and produced 13 assists in all competitions, emerging as one of David Moyes’ most prized possessions going into the next campaign.
However, the Hammers must now ward off interest from other clubs, after an increased amount of attention has come Bowen’s way.
Arsenal, who qualified for this season’s Europa League, have now reportedly made contact with his representatives about a potential move to the Emirates this summer.
The England international showed what he was capable of to Gunners boss Mikel Arteta last season, scoring against them superbly in their May home encounter.
Despite this, Moyes knows how valuable Bowen is to this West Ham team, and if a bid was to be submitted then it should be instantly rejected by the club.
Arsenal currently act as one of our main rivals in the league table and a fellow challenger for a top-six finish next season. With Europe in our sights again this year, Bowen cannot join a competitor and add firepower to their already strong front three.
If the Hammers want to succeed in the league and the Europa Conference League in the next campaign then maintaining Bowen within the squad, alongside teammate Declan Rice, must be a priority for Moyes and the board.
The winger remains as an integral member of the team, and if he was to be sold to a close rival then West Ham would be seriously hampering their chances of a top-six finish in 22/23.
