West Ham midfielder Bowen Phillips has confirmed that he has signed a contract with Arsenal’s academy.

Writing on Instagram, the teenager said he was grateful to the Hammers’ staff who have aided him in his development, but he was always keen on moving to the Gunners as he is a “boyhood” fan:

“Happy to be offered a contract with my boyhood club Arsenal. Thank you to all the staff at West Ham who have helped me to become the player I am now and can’t wait to see them one day in the future. The hard work starts now. COYG.”

West Ham have lost a couple of youngsters to Premier League rivals recently, with Harrison Ashby having joined Newcastle in a £3m deal back in the summer.

However, the Irons’ academy is continuing to churn out promising players at a fair pace.

West Ham had two academy players on the bench for the game against Olympiakos midweek

Although the Hammers did lose in Greece, fans would have been delighted to see two academy graduates named as substitutes on Thursday evening.

Divin Mubama has already made his debut and scored his first senior goal, and some supporters have been calling on David Moyes to hand the 19-year-old more opportunities.

Joseph Anang was also among the subs. The 23-year-old has had loan spells away from the London club, but he was drafted in as cover for the ill Lukasz Fabianski.

Are there any other players who could make their breakthrough into the first team?

Callum Marshall has been turning heads with his performances for the Under 21s this campaign. The Northern Irishman has scored 8 goals in just 6 Premier League 2 appearances. He also bagged a brace against Bristol Rovers’ senior team in the EFL Trophy.

Kaelan Casey is another bright young prospect. The 18-year-old was given his first-team debut against FCSB in the group stages of the Europa Conference League last campaign.

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