

West Ham United are delighted to announce the signing of highly-rated central midfielder George Dobson from Arsenal.



Dobson is a boyhood Hammers fan and jumped at the chance to sign for the east London Club.



The 17-year-old arrives with a big reputation, having captained the Arsenal Under-18s last season and also featured regularly for the north London Club in the Under-19 UEFA Youth League.



Dobson also made his breakthrough into the Arsenal Under-21 team last season and played alongside Jack Wilshere and Abou Diaby.



The talented central midfield player says he is relishing the chance to play for his hometown Club and hopes to make his breakthrough into the first-team squad over the next few years.



Dobson said: “I am over the moon to have signed and have been a West Ham fan since I was five-years-of -age and this is a surreal moment. Putting pen to paper is a dream come true for me.



“I had a great ten-years with Arsenal and they helped me as a footballer and as a person. But the time is right to move and I cannot wait to get started.



“I give 100 per cent every time I put the shirt on and I will give everything for the team.



“The amount of players who have come through the academy, it was a no-brainer for me. There are lots of opportunities here and you have just got to take them. I know I will have to work hard.



“Terry Westley is a great guy and has shown a lot of interest in me. That is really important for a young person and I am looking forward to working under him.”