West Ham United have completed the capture of Hammers-supporting Arsenal starlet George Dobson with one eye on the future.

The 17-year-old defender captained the Gunners' Under-18 side last term and played in the UEFA Under-19 Champions League but will now move to Upton Park to continue his development.

Speaking to the club website, Dobson spoke of his excitement at joining his boyhood club: “I am over the moon to have signed and have been a West Ham fan since I was five 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.”