West Ham United is reportedly set to sign promising youngC defender, Luis Brown, on a free transfer.
Brown, a regular for Arsenal’s U18 team during the 2022/23 and 2023/24 seasons, made 31 appearances across all competitions and also played in a Premier League 2 match for the U21s.
Despite his strong performances, the 18-year-old was not offered a new contract by Arsenal and will leave the club this summer, becoming available to other teams. His seven appearances for West Ham’s U18 side last season have reportedly led the East London club to offer him a deal.
This transfer is both strategic and personal for Brown, as he has deep family ties to West Ham. His father, Kenny Brown, is the current academy manager at West Ham, and his grandfather, Ken Brown, made over 380 appearances for the club, winning the FA Cup, UEFA Cup Winners’ Cup, and FA Community Shield during the 1960s. Luis Brown is also a lifelong West Ham supporter.
If the deal goes through, Brown will be West Ham’s third signing of the summer, following the arrivals of goalkeeper Luis Guilherm Wes Foderingham from Sheffield United and Brazilian prospecte from Palmeiras.
Brown’s departure is part of a broader trend of exits from Arsenal’s academy this summer. Notable talents Reuell Walters and Amario Cozier-Duberry are also expected to leave the club. Walters, who has been included in Mikel Arteta’s matchday squad multiple times during the 2023/24 season, has yet to make his senior debut and is seeking first-team opportunities elsewhere.
Cozier-Duberry, who has drawn comparisons to Arsenal star Bukayo Saka, has been a standout in youth football, scoring nine goals in 17 Premier League 2 appearances last season. His potential departure signals a significant loss for Arsenal’s future talent pool.
