West Ham United make transfer call on Arsenal player after Rush Green development
West Ham United appear to have made their decision on Arsenal youngster Reece Clairmont after his trial at Rush Green, according to the Daily Cannon.
The news outlet reported on their website [22 September] that the youngster has returned to his parent club Arsenal after a trial spell with the Hammers.
Clairmont played a 37-minute cameo for the U18s in their draw against Leicester City on September 14 but is now back at Arsenal.
A permanent move to East London has still not been entirely ruled out for the 17-year-old, who is in the final year of his contract at the Gunners.
Will Reece Clairmont be the next big thing at West Ham United?
The teenager has been eligible for a professional contract for the past nine months and, with Arsenal in no rush to offer the youngster fresh terms at the Emirates, West Ham could swoop in.
Lauris Coggin is enduring similar fortunes to first-team manager Julen Lopetegui in the U18 Premier League, with his side currently sitting in tenth place in the South Division and winless in four games.
The Academy of Football was once known as one of the most illustrious in English football with the likes of Frank Lampard, Rio Ferdinand, Joe Cole, Michael Carrick and Jermaine Defoe all coming through the ranks in East London.
In recent years, Declan Rice stands as the only notable graduate from the academy, and, while he established himself as one of the best players in the Premier League sporting claret and blue, West Ham supporters are sure to be concerned with the lack of talent coming through the setup as of late.
Lewis Orford is the brightest among the current crop. He was rewarded with a five-year deal over the summer [Sean Whetstone] for his development with interest circling from Premier League rivals Aston Villa.
Clairmont seemingly has no future at the Emirates and could make a name for himself in East London, but an Arsenal reject hardly inspires confidence in his ability to shine for the Hammers.
The fact that Coggin has not immediately pushed for a contract offer tells you all you need to know about how he fared on his trial.
In other West Ham news, Julen Lopetegui is under pressure from David Sullivan and Karren Brady after West Ham United lost to Chelsea.
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