WEST HAM have completed the signing of promising striker Frank Nouble from Chelsea for an undisclosed fee.

It is thought that the Hammers beat off competition from Arsenal to land the 17-year-old, who turned down a new contract at Stamford Bridge before agreeing terms on a five-year deal at the Boleyn Ground.

After passing a medical on Tuesday, Nouble revealed it was the club's track record with young players that acted as a major factor in his decision to move across London.

“I am really looking forward to showing what I can do,” Nouble told WHUFC.com. “West Ham are renowned for bringing through young players and hopefully I can be in the next batch.

“This came out of the blue. I am just happy that a club like West Ham came in for me. They showed their interest and it was a case of saying 'yes' straight away.”

Standing an imposing 6ft 3in tall and still growing, it is thought Nouble will act as the understudy to Carlton Cole, whose bullish hold-up play and outlet as a target man proved very successful for the Irons last season.

However, Cole may soon be looking over his shoulder as the youngster is keen to make the step up to first team football sooner rather than later.

“I am reaching the age where I want to be in and around the first team more than anything – learning from the big players that have already done well here. Mark Noble, Carlton Cole and players like that. I want to emulate what they have done.

“I am an attacking player. I am tall and rely on my pace and getting goals. I just want to do well up front and excite the fans.”

Nouble impressed during his ten Premier League reserve outings last season, scoring twice, while he was also afforded the opportunity to train with the likes of Didier Drogba and Nicolas Anelka in Guus Hiddink's first team squad at the back end of last season, such was the promise he had shown throughout the year.