West Ham United are expected to face a challenging summer transfer window after being relegated from the Premier League to the Championship.
However, interest from Arsenal and Manchester United could indirectly assist the Hammers in holding on to their star forward Jarrod Bowen, who would be a constant attacking threat in the Championship next season.
Nuno Espirito Santo’s side achieved a 3-0 victory over Leeds United on the final day of the Premier League season, yet it was not sufficient to secure their top-flight status, as London rivals Tottenham Hotspur defeated Everton.
Following their drop from the Premier League, West Ham are set to lose substantial income, particularly from television rights, forcing them to sell several players. Balancing the wage bill will also be a priority for the club’s hierarchy at the London Stadium.
Bowen has become one of West Ham’s most influential players in recent years and stood out in an otherwise disappointing 2025/26 Premier League campaign, scoring nine goals and providing 11 assists.
Fans will always remember his contributions at the highest level, especially his decisive goal in the club’s 2023 UEFA Europa Conference League final triumph over Fiorentina.
As reported by the Daily Mail, Espirito Santo’s team plans to sell nine players to raise around £100 million following their relegation.
Midfielder Mateus Fernandes is expected to be among those departing after scoring three goals and providing four assists across 36 Premier League appearances for the Hammers.
The 21-year-old was one of West Ham’s standout performers in the 2025/26 season but has now suffered consecutive relegations to the Championship, having played for Southampton the previous year.
According to The Mail, West Ham value Fernandes at £80 million, with both Manchester United and Arsenal showing interest.
Securing £80 million for the former Southampton player would allow West Ham to cover most of their £100 million target after relegation.
This financial boost could significantly improve their chances of keeping Bowen, who remains on the radar of Premier League clubs eager to offer him top-flight football.
The Independent reports that Chelsea are also eyeing a move for Bowen, with new manager Xabi Alonso keen to strengthen his squad at Stamford Bridge. Interest in the winger comes as no surprise following West Ham’s relegation.
Bowen, however, may still opt to leave to preserve his chances of being selected for England, regardless of West Ham’s transfer activity.
Nevertheless, selling Fernandes for £80 million would strengthen Espirito Santo’s ability to retain Bowen, who can also play as a striker.
The 29-year-old registered a decent return of 11 goals and 12 assists across all competitions in 2025/26, though this was below his best form.
His most prolific season came in 2023/24, when he scored 20 goals and provided 10 assists, including 16 goals in 34 Premier League matches.
Those numbers highlight Bowen’s potential to dominate in the Championship, where defenders may struggle to cope with his top-tier quality.
Keeping the former Hull City star would be a massive boost to West Ham’s hopes of securing an immediate Premier League return, but this will largely depend on receiving their £80 million valuation for Fernandes.
Bowen’s record at Hull City’s MKM Stadium, where he scored 52 goals in just two-and-a-half Championship seasons before joining West Ham, underlines the impact he could have in the second tier. The winger has only improved since then, becoming one of England’s most reliable wide players.
No Championship defence is likely to handle Bowen’s pace and finishing ability, and his presence in the division would be a major spectacle. While his future remains uncertain, the imminent sale of Fernandes could be crucial in helping West Ham retain their best players — and they must fight to keep him at all costs.
