By Sam Stone

22nd Jun, 2022 | 7:10am

West Ham: Pundit urges Jarrod Bowen to avoid Arsenal move

We’re delighted to welcome former West Ham United striker Frank McAvennie as our exclusive columnist. Each week he’ll be giving his views on the biggest talking points at the London Stadium…

Frank McAvennie has urged Jarrod Bowen to stay clear of a move to Arsenal and remain respectful to West Ham and the Hammers’ fans.

It had been reported by The Beautiful Game Podcast on 11 June that Arsenal have opened talks with the 25-year-old’s representatives over a potential move.

Bowen enjoyed a stellar 2021/22 campaign scoring 18 times and notching eleven assists in all compeitions for David Moyes’ side.

The winger’s form has earned him an international call-up and interest from other Premier League clubs.

However McAvennie has urged the winger to not make the move to North London.

“Listen, you can’t do that,” he told West Ham Zone

“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.”

Bowen’s contract runs until the summer of 2025, so the Hammers are in a good position to hold onto their star man this summer.

It had been reported by 90min on 1 June that the Hammers were set to open talks with the England international over a bumper new contract.