The vultures are gathering. If West Ham are relegated from the Premier League this week, Jarrod Bowen will find himself at the centre of one of the summer's most compelling transfer battles, with Chelsea, Liverpool and Manchester United all tracking the England winger.

West Ham face an immediate financial reckoning should Tottenham take a point from either of their remaining fixtures — a result that would confirm the Hammers' drop into the Championship. The club posted a £104.2m loss in their most recent financial year, and sources close to the situation suggest they would need to generate north of £100m in sales simply to stabilise the books. Bowen, under contract until 2030 and one of the most coveted attackers outside the top six, would be the obvious place to start.

A West Ham legend forced to choose

Bowen has been nothing short of exceptional since arriving from Hull City in January 2020. He contributed 21 goals and assists across all competitions this season alone, and his place in the club's folklore was cemented when he scored the winning goal in the Conference League final against Fiorentina. The 29-year-old is well-liked in the dressing room, settled in London, and has shown loyalty that most players in his position would not have maintained. But even the most devoted servant has limits, and playing Championship football — with a World Cup on the horizon — is a line few England internationals can afford to cross.

Bowen is expected to be in the frame when England name their squad for the World Cup on Friday, which only sharpens the sense that a move to a bigger stage could be imminent.

Three clubs, three different pitches

Liverpool have long admired Bowen and see him as a way to add dynamism and experience to their forward line. His movement, pressing intensity and end product fit the profile Anfield has traditionally favoured, and the noises out of Merseyside suggest their interest is genuine rather than exploratory.

Manchester United's case is driven partly by need. Having secured Champions League football, they want attacking depth and rate Bowen's versatility highly. He operates predominantly on the right but is capable centrally and on the left — precisely the kind of flexibility that a squad rebuilt on a tight budget requires. United are actively considering him as a left-sided option.

Chelsea's interest is at an earlier stage but it is real. Enzo Maresca's side have prioritised younger acquisitions in recent windows, yet the coaching staff believe a player of Bowen's experience could raise the ceiling of a youthful group. He would compete on the right and offer cover through the attacking line more broadly.

West Ham's wider problem

Bowen is not the only asset in danger of being stripped out of east London. Arsenal, United and Paris Saint-Germain are all understood to be interested in Portugal midfielder Mateus Fernandes, while Dutch winger Crysencio Summerville is also expected to be made available. Nuno Espírito Santo's side could find themselves dismantled before pre-season even begins.

West Ham's asking price for Bowen remains unclear — his long contract gives them leverage — but leverage means very little when the accounts demand action. The market will move quickly once relegation is confirmed, and all three of England's biggest clubs appear ready to pounce.

Frequently asked

Why might Jarrod Bowen leave West Ham this summer?
If West Ham are relegated to the Championship, Bowen — an England international with World Cup ambitions — may feel he needs to play top-flight football. West Ham also face significant financial pressure and may be forced to sell key players to raise funds.
How much would West Ham want for Jarrod Bowen?
No specific fee has been confirmed, but Bowen is contracted until 2030, which gives West Ham strong leverage. The club reportedly need to raise over £100m in sales if relegated, so any deal would likely involve a substantial transfer fee.
Which clubs are interested in signing Jarrod Bowen?
Chelsea, Liverpool and Manchester United have all been linked with Bowen. Liverpool are long-term admirers, United want his versatility to bolster their attack after qualifying for the Champions League, and Chelsea see him as an experienced addition to a young squad.