West Ham have re-entered contract negotiations with defender Ben Johnson, according to reports in England.
The Hammers have already triggered their option to extend the 22-year-old’s stay at the London Stadium by two years, but they haven’t been able to agree a new salary with the fullback.
Both Arsenal and Newcastle are said to be keeping tabs on the situation, and supporters on Twitter are rather split on whether Johnson is actually deserving of all the attention:
We need to keep him. Simple as.
— ⚒♀️ Miss Markella COYI♀️ ⚒ (@_noblerightfoot) April 1, 2022
Unfortunately if Arsenal comes knocking… it may be difficult for him to remain loyal to the hammers.
— Illogicality (@teamio77) April 1, 2022
Really need to do what we can to keep this young player. He's superb
— StephenJL (@skyellis666) April 1, 2022
Sell him if we get a decent offer
— Rob Bryan #GSBOUT (@RobBryan1987) March 31, 2022
Get it done!
— Pokermush #GSBOUT (@pokermush) March 31, 2022
Am I the only one that doesn't see what arsenal see in him, Newcastle yea but I honestly don't rate him highly enough for us let alone arsenal IMO not slating him he still has a lot to learn ⚒
— Jack (@jackwhu93) April 1, 2022
Absolute baller
— ⚒ crabby (@jack15crabb) March 31, 2022
Has to improve going forward imo
— ⚒Only me⚒ (@trevslovechild) March 31, 2022
There is no doubt that Johnson has performed well this season when given the chance by manager David Moyes, but he is far from the finished article.
As some fans have pointed out, the right-back is not the strongest in the final third of the pitch, having scored once and provided no assists in 26 appearances this campaign. He could well develop into an outstanding defender, though, so West Ham are keen to tie him down for the long term.