credit: Imago and Ben Foster - The Cycling GK

Max Wilkins

Tue 25 February 2025 16:10, UK

West Ham captain Jarrod Bowen could have been subject to interest from Arsenal during the winter window, says Ben Foster.

The 28-year-old has had yet another positive season for the Hammers despite injuries ruling him out of the whole of January.

This hasn’t stopped the skipper from continuing his goal contributions, grabbing his seventh strike of the season against Arsenal last time out.

Despite subjecting the Gunners to a defeat at the Emirates on Saturday (22 February), Foster believes the versatile forward would have jumped at a move to North London last month.

Foster shares £50m valuation for West Ham star Bowen

There is little secret of how well-loved the forward is at the London Stadium which is why he made such a popular choice for captain under Julen Lopetegui.

With that being said, no one associated with the Irons would want to see their star man depart, especially not to a rival in the capital.

Graham Potter has managed to keep hold of Bowen for the rest of the season at least but it has been suggested that a move away could have been possible during the winter window.

Speaking on the Football Fill-In (25 February), Dave Watson asked: “They [Arsenal] didn’t sign anyone in January, Jarrod Bowen, would you have gone and nicked him from West Ham? Is he a top-four player?”

There was no question for Foster that the former Hull City man would have scored goals and been starting for Arsenal in their current predicament, even if he wouldn’t personally place him in the “top-four” category.

He said: “He would definitely score some goals for Arsenal. I don’t think he’s a top-four player, he’s one rung below it.

“He would definitely start up front for Arsenal right now. Arsenal fans, if they had signed Bowen would have gone ‘Yeah, brilliant’. That shows that you are invested in the football club.”

This sparked a conversation as to how much the forward would have been worth during the winter window as Ben Tozer questioned: “What would he have cost in January?”

Again, Foster snapped back with a quick reply, saying: “£50million? He signed a new contract last year. I think you’d have to pay £50-60million but I think there would be a chance and Bowen would be open to it as well.”

West Ham can not lose Bowen to Arsenal

It has been a tough season for the Irons with plenty of bumps in the road contributing to frustrating results on a near enough weekly basis.

The win against Arsenal was as much-needed as it was surprising given how desperate the Gunners were for a win to close the gap to Premier League title challengers Liverpool.

It now looks unlikely for them to catch up with Arne Slot’s side which could see them turn their attention to next season already.

This could see them prepare to make a swoop to sign Bowen in the summer as they look to make a proper attempt at winning a title.

Given just how important the ex-Hereford youngsters’ goals and assists are for the E20 club, no one would want to see him leave.

The question for Hammers fans would be whether another club captain would leave for Arsenal, just as Declan Rice did over a year ago.