United hold shirt-number edge over Chelsea in race to sign Jarrod Bowen

Manchester United hold an unlikely advantage over Chelsea in the race to sign West Ham winger Jarrod Bowen this summer: the availability of the No. 20 shirt. Bowen, 29, is widely expected to leave the London Stadium after West Ham were relegated to the Championship on the final day of the 2024/25 season.

West Ham value Bowen at around £50 million, though reports suggest a bid closer to £40 million could still be enough to complete the deal. The England international finished the season with 11 goals and 12 assists across all competitions, form that has attracted interest from multiple Premier League clubs.

Bowen has worn the No. 20 jersey for the majority of his career, including his six seasons at West Ham. That number became available at United after Diogo Dalot switched to the No. 2 shirt ahead of the 2025/26 campaign. At Chelsea, the No. 20 is currently held by Joao Pedro, who joined last season and impressed throughout. Despite reported interest from Barcelona, Chelsea are said to be unwilling to sell the Brazilian forward.

Chelsea have tracked Bowen for some time, according to reports, viewing him as an experienced and versatile addition to their attack. Incoming Chelsea head coach Xabi Alonso is understood to be a strong admirer of the winger, having praised him publicly during his time managing Bayer Leverkusen. “He’s one of the top players for sure, not just in terms of goals, but energy as well,” Alonso said in 2024. “He’s a real threat in their transitions in the last third — he has a great foot, so that’s why he’s one of the top players in the English squad.”

Despite Alonso’s admiration, Bowen’s close relationship with West Ham supporters could make a move to London rivals Chelsea a harder sell than a transfer to Old Trafford. United can also offer Champions League football next season after finishing third in the Premier League, ending the campaign 19 points ahead of Chelsea.

Bowen himself has not spoken publicly about his future. Following West Ham’s relegation, he posted an emotional apology to supporters on Instagram. “It’s hard to post something like this when all you’re feeling is embarrassment and pain,” he wrote. “I could write loads trying to explain where it all went wrong this season, but honestly what you deserve from me is an apology.”