Pundit Frank McAvennie has urged West Ham United star Jarrod Bowen to stay at the London Stadium and avoid a summer move to Arsenal.
After a sensational second full season in east London, where he registered a remarkable 17 goals and 13 assists in 50 appearances in all competitions, the newly capped England forward has been subject to much interest from two Premier League giants.
It was reported earlier this month that Arsenal are interested in taking Bowen to north London this summer, while Liverpool have also been linked, with Jurgen Klopp a huge admirer.
However, McAvennie has strongly urged the attacker to show his loyalty to the Hammers faithful and turn down any potential move to the Gunners.
Speaking to West Ham Zone, he said: “Listen, you can’t do that. I had the chance to go to Arsenal and I just couldn’t do it. It would be bad enough if he went to Liverpool, but Arsenal!
“A move to Arsenal would just be the wrong move for everyone involved. When I had the chance to move I couldn’t do it for the fans, so I would be disappointed if Jarrod went.
“I could understand Liverpool but then I don’t understand it because he wouldn’t get a game at Liverpool.
“He’s good enough to go and fight for a place at Liverpool, but he probably walks into the midfield at Arsenal – but do you want to disrespect West Ham fans? There are other teams out there.
“It’s not an upgrade, trust me.”
TIF Thoughts on McAvennie’s comments…
With the tremendous culture, personality and mentality David Moyes is currently building in east London, we agree with McAvennie in that the Leominster-born forward should indeed remain at the London Stadium for the time being as he will remain a crucial figure for the club and continue his fine development.
More importantly, providing he continues his fine form into next season, he may well strongly push for a spot in Gareth Southgate’s England squad for the World Cup later this year.
There is no doubt the £37.8m-rated ace – dubbed an “unbelievable player” by Klopp in the past – could fit in at either Liverpool or Arsenal, however, his place in both teams will perhaps be limited.
But with Bowen at the forefront of Moyes’ revolution, he could well drive the club into exciting new territory in the coming years, so there seems plenty of reason to stay at West Ham.