By Pranav Shahaney

25th Feb, 2022 | 9:30pm

ExWHUemployee: West Ham triggered Ben Johnson extension as backup option

Talks between West Ham and Ben Johnson over a contract extension have reportedly not been successful.

According to ExWHUemployee, despite getting Johnson tied down for another two years, there still is a worry about him not signing a new deal.

This was primarily done to fend off interest from clubs keen on the 22-year-old, including rivals Arsenal.

Ex wrote, “Ben Johnson has had the 2-year contract extension option in his contract exercised.

“It was hoped he would sign a longer, new improved deal. So far negotiations have not been successful, so the club triggered the contract option as a backup plan.

“This means that the talented full back will remain at the club for the next two years at least and this has held back interest from a number of clubs, including Arsenal.”

Some worry

There could be many reasons why talks with the young full-back have not been successful.

Despite being liked by David Moyes and given a chance in the playing eleven this season, Johnson still does not feel that it is enough to sign a long-term deal.

This could be due to the fact that the club have not shown enough ambition in the transfer market to build on last season’s performances.

They’ve gone back to the same old ways of underperforming and that could see some of the club’s best players leave.

Declan Rice and Jarrod Bowen are two players wanted by the top clubs and if Johnson wants to follow them through the exit door, it would be hard to blame him.

In other West Ham news, the club want to sign a ‘Brilliant’ Chelsea player who will tick a major box for David Moyes

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