Arsenal’s loss to be West Ham’s gain as fresh details emerge on Jack Tomlin transfer
West Ham snapping up former Arsenal ace Jack Tomlin looks like a real masterstroke.
It was reported earlier this week that the Hammers had swooped for youth goalkeeper Jack Tomlin after he was not offered a scholarship by the Premier League leaders.
Tomlin had featured on the bench for Arsenal Under-18 matches against West Brom, Southampton and Fulham, but he will now look to take the next step at West Ham.
Judging by recent developments, he is set for a bright future indeed at the London Stadium.
How has Jack Tomlin already impressed at West Ham?
While a first-team opportunity looks a long way off, the 16-year-old Tomlin is certainly doing everything he can to catch Nuno Espirito Santo‘s watchful eye.
The stopper is currently working with the Hammers’ U16s, but has already been named on the bench for the U18s after apparently impressing during training sessions.
In fact, according to The Talent Hunter via Instagram, Tomlin was taken on trial and was signed immediately after his very first session.
That, of course, suggests that the club have secured themselves a talented gloveman ready to fight for the coveted No 1 shirt over the coming years.
He spent an invaluable decade on the books at Arsenal before his unfortunate release, but this setback opened up numerous doors in the form of Premier League rivals.
Indeed, it is also reported that 21 clubs were interested in signing him, with Nottingham Forest, Fulham, Sheffield United and Bournemouth among them.
Patience with Tomlin will be crucial
It should be stressed that Tomlin is still a long way off from making his senior bow.
Both Tom Wooster and Reece Byrne recently committed their futures to the club, handing the new arrival stiff, but healthy, competition in the youth ranks.
Only time will tell whether Tomlin is able to take the next step up, but for now, Nuno will continue to work with Mads Hermansen and Alphonse Areola in the first team.
Hermansen was rightly criticised by supporters after some early error-strewn displays following his move from Leicester City, but he has impressed in recent weeks.
That has relegated Areola to the bench after he conceded in every one of his 20 appearances leading up to the crucial victory against Burnley back in January.
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