Jarrod Bowen appears to plead with West Ham owners after reported Man City talks. West Ham and Manchester City have held two rounds of transfer talks ahead of the January window opening.
That’s according to multiple reports as speculation starts to ramp up about potential business between West Ham and Man City in the coming weeks. The Hammers and Manchester City are both in need of additions in the January transfer window.
Premier League rivals West Ham and Man City share a close bond dating back to 1987. And it’s rumoured they could both come to one another’s aid during hugely disappointing seasons which are falling way below expectations.
Pep Guardiola has major problems with a lack of depth following a spate of injuries. Meanwhile West Ham’s summer rebuild has clearly failed to address glaring issues in midfield and up front.
The fact the Hammers have won just five Premier League games from 17 so far is all the evidence needed on that front. According to a well connected journalist, West Ham have officially approached Man City to sign James McAtee.
During those talks, Man City are said to have responded by telling the Hammers they need to line up a replacement first. The next thing you know, the champions were calling West Ham back to try and arrange just that.
In a stunning twist, desperate Man City have made a £75m opening bid for West Ham’s Mohammed Kudus. The Hammers have admitted star boy Kudus is for sale if someone meets their £100m valuation in January.
The Ghanaian has an £85m release clause active in the summer with the likes of Liverpool, Arsenal – and now Man City – all said to be seriously interested.
Like with Declan Rice before him, it feels a question of when rather than if Kudus leaves the Hammers. Especially as West Ham need to raise funds to continue their squad overhaul.
The 24-year-old is undoubtedly one of the most naturally talented players seen in east London for years. It’s easy to see why Man City would want him to help breathe life into their ailing season.
Kudus appears to have a frosty relationship with Julen Lopetegui and has cut a frustrated figure this season, playing out of position on the left.
Kudus even hit out at Lopetegui for playing him there this week. Just three goals from 14 games this season is a poor return for a player of Kudus’ immense talent.
But now Jarrod Bowen appears to have pleaded with West Ham’s owners after reported Man City talks. Hammers skipper Bowen did not envisage languishing down in 14th place midway through the season when he penned a new seven-year contract last year.
Especially after the club went out and spent £155m on nine new players in the summer.
It seems more than a coincidence that the captain has spoken on the record about Kudus on the same day he is being linked with a move to the Etihad.
In what reads very much like a message to David Sullivan and co, Bowen has urged the club not to sell Kudus in January.
Bowen insists Kudus is about so much more than goals. But he says there will be many more to come if West Ham keep him for the rest of the season amid the interest from Man City.
Bowen: Kudus brings more than goals to West Ham “He brings a lot more than goals to the team,” Bowen told West Ham’s official website.
“The way he dribbles with the ball, and the work he does without the ball as well.
“He’s a great asset for the club, and I’m really happy for him.
“He deserves it and I’m sure he’ll score many more this season.”
Message received loud and clear – Bowen wants Kudus to see out the season with West Ham.
Even if his sale would mean signing at least two or three top quality players. Bowen seems to believe it would be more beneficial to keep Kudus for the remainder of the season rather than let him go in order to make January reinforcements.
