Ben Johnson has ‘had his head turned’ after West Ham talks update – pundit
Paul Robinson fears West Ham defender Ben Johnson has had his head turned by reported interest from Tottenham and Arsenal.
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, the former White Hart Lane number one expects it would “cost a lot” to get the 22-year-old out of the London Stadium though.
According to The Athletic‘s Roshane Thomas (28 February), the Hammers offered Johnson a six-and-a-half-year deal but failed to reach an agreement.
The London club have subsequently triggered a two-year extension clause in the right-back’s current contract, which was due to expire in May.
The Sun has reported (1 March) that Arsenal and Spurs are interested in the Irons defender.
When asked by Football Insider for his assessment of Johnson’s future, Robinson said: “Johnson is a young, exciting full-back.
“I imagine it would cost a lot to get him out of West Ham though, especially now they’ve extended his contract by a couple of years.
“But if he has not signed a new contract, I think his head has probably be turned. He might be looking to move on.
“He’s 22 so he will want to be somewhere where he is getting game time and playing at the highest level possible.
“Should he move to Arsenal or Tottenham or stay at West Ham? All three clubs are in and around each other in the Premier League right now so it’s a tough one.
“If he is not signing a new deal, I would worry as a West Ham fan though.”
In other news, West Ham have been tipped to sign Said Benrahma upgrade and Declan Rice ally after £150m transfer update.