Former England international Darren Bent believes that signing Emile Smith Rowe would push West Ham on to the next level.

It is no secret that West Ham want to add an attacking player to their squad this January. Many players have been linked with a move to the London stadium but one in particular caught a lot of media attention.

Emile Smith Rowe has not had the best of times at Arsenal in the past year. While Saka has excelled, Smith Rowe’s development has been halted by a number of injuries. Our own ExWHUEmployee exclusively revealed the Hammers interest, with the club wanting to take him on loan.

With Kalvin Phillips expected to join on loan as well, Darren Bent believes that the Irons could go up to the next level. “If David Moyes brings the two players – Kalvin Phillips and Emile Smith Rowe, they will be two unbelievable signings for their squad,” Bent stated. “Especially pushing for Europe and pushing for that top six where they are.”

“West Ham fans would be thinking ‘oh my goodness, what can we do with this squad?’ – definitely top six, minimum top six.”

Unfortunately, it does not seem like we will get to witness the midfielder playing in claret and blue as our Ex reported that it is highly unlikely he will join West Ham. Both the player and the club are not interested in the move and the Hammers will pursue other targets.

Obviously, it is disappointing from a West Ham perspective, but it is completely understandable that he would want to stay and fight for a place at his boyhood club. Arteta has made it clear he wishes to give Smith Rowe the opportunity to prove himself in the second half of the season – why would he not try and seize that?