West Ham are set for a significant financial boost after agreeing an £85m deal to sell Mateus Fernandes to Tottenham, and it could also help them to keep hold of captain Jarrod Bowen.
The Portugal international has been one of the Premier League's most sought-after midfielders following an outstanding campaign in east London.
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Man United were also heavily linked with Fernandes, but Tottenham have moved decisively to complete the transfer after agreeing a club-record package.
The deal represents one of the biggest sales in West Ham's history and gives the club substantial funds to reinvest, not to mention raise much-needed cash after their relegation from the Premier League.
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Fernandes established himself as a key figure in West Ham's midfield with his composure in possession, progressive passing and ability to influence matches at both ends of the pitch.
Despite losing one of their standout performers, the sizeable transfer fee will have an important impact on the club's wider plans after they lost nearly £105m last year.
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West Ham's Jarrod Bowen theory after accepting Mateus Fernandes bid
According to reliable journalist Jacob Steinberg, the Hammers hope the money generated from Fernandes' sale will strengthen their chances of keeping Bowen.
West Ham Bowen
Steinberg reports that the financial flexibility created by the £85 million deal could ease pressure on West Ham to sanction another major departure this summer, and they hope that it will ultimately strengthen their hold on Bowen.
Bowen has attracted interest from elsewhere in the Premier League after continuing to establish himself as one of England's most consistent attacking players.
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Steinberg also reports in The Guardian that Aston Villa and Everton are both still monitoring Bowen's situation as they look to strengthen their attacking options.
Why West Ham can genuinely keep hold of Bowen despite relegation
The England international has remained one of West Ham's most influential players since joining the club from Hull City in January 2020.
As well as his attacking output, Bowen has earned praise for his relentless work rate and willingness to contribute defensively.
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Those qualities have helped him become a favourite among the West Ham supporters and an important leader within the dressing room.
The club have repeatedly made it clear they view Bowen as one of the foundations of their long-term project, and the sale of Fernandes could now make it easier for West Ham to resist offers should rival clubs formalise their interest during the remainder of the transfer window.
Bowen also has strong personal reasons to remain in east London, mainly through his wife Dani Dyer.
Those factors could also play an important role if further approaches arrive during the summer.
Bowen's quality on the pitch is unquestionable, but his leadership, connection with the supporters and long-standing commitment to the club could all give West Ham genuine reasons to believe he will remain at the London Stadium.
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