​West Ham United are growing increasingly optimistic that captain Jarrod Bowen will remain at the club this season, according to the Daily Mail.Despite several Premier League sides sniffing around following their relegation to the Championship, the West Ham legend looks poised to stay at the London Stadium.AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementThe England ace has been linked with several top-flight clubs throughout the summer, with Liverpool, Everton, Newcastle United and Aston Villa all credited with interest.However, none of those clubs followed their interest with a formal bid to the Hammers.Bowen remains under contract until 2030, putting West Ham in a strong negotiating position.Meanwhile, the club’s financial outlook has also improved after getting £85 million for Mateus Fernandes.West Ham are now increasingly hopeful that their talisman will stay in east London.The 29-year-old is understood to be committed to helping new manager Nuno Espirito Santo guide the Hammers back to the Premier League at the first attempt.AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementWest Ham begin their league season away at Burnley next month, as preparations for the campaign continue with Saturday’s pre-season fixture against Southend.Bowen has become one of the club’s greatest modern players, scoring 85 goals and bagging 63 assists in 280 appearances.His winner in the 2023 Conference League final secured West Ham’s first major trophy in more than four decades and cemented his legendary status among supporters.Keeping Bowen would arguably represent the biggest victory of West Ham’s summer.Championship clubs rarely retain players of his calibre after relegation, particularly one with proven Premier League quality and pedigree.AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementWhile supporters will naturally focus on potential new arrivals over the coming weeks, no signing could realistically replace Bowen’s influence, leadership or goals.His presence instantly makes him the division’s standout attacking player, someone capable of carrying the club through difficult moments.Bowen also sets the standards in the dressing room and understands exactly what West Ham means to its supporters.If the Hammers genuinely keep hold of their captain, it will feel more important than landing any recruit.Convincing him to stay could prove to be the smartest and most valuable piece of business West Ham completes all summer.