West Ham United are increasingly confident Jarrod Bowen will remain at the club despite continued interest from Aston Villa.
Unai Emery is understood to admire the England international as Villa consider adding another proven Premier League attacker.
Industry sources have suggested negotiations would need to begin at around £50million. However, West Ham have not invited offers and remain determined to retain their captain.
According to talkSPORT, Bowen is expected to stay and lead the Hammers’ attempt to return immediately to the Premier League.
No formal offer or advanced negotiation with Aston Villa has been confirmed.
West Ham cannot afford to lose Bowen
Bowen’s importance extends far beyond his goals and assists.
The 29-year-old is West Ham’s captain, their most reliable attacker and the public face of the rebuild under Nuno Espírito Santo.
His contract also runs until 2030, leaving West Ham in a strong negotiating position. There is no financial need to accept a reduced proposal following Mateus Fernandes’ club-record move to Tottenham.
Bowen also featured prominently in the launch of West Ham’s new home kit. While marketing appearances offer no guarantee over a player’s future, the club continue to present him as central to their plans.
As Read West Ham recently reported, Danny Dyer has publicly suggested his son-in-law is preparing to remain in east London.
Aston Villa can offer Premier League and European football, but reaching an agreement with West Ham would still be difficult.
The Hammers need proven quality to secure promotion at the first attempt. Selling Bowen for £50million would leave Nuno with money to spend, but replacing his output, leadership and connection with supporters would be far harder.
Villa’s interest remains one to monitor. For now, West Ham’s confidence over keeping their captain appears to be growing.
