22-year-old right back Carl Jenkinson looks set to join West Ham United on loan, according to the Daily Mail. Despite Jenkinson being long-touted as Bacary Sagna’s longterm replacement in defense, manager Arsène Wenger has signed two right backs within the past few weeks. With two players now in front of him, the former Charlton Athletic defender has been deemed as surplus to requirements.
After Sagna’s free transfer to Manchester City, Mathieu Debuchy was recruited from Newcastle, and it was generally assumed that Jenkinson would continue as an understudy. But soon after, rumors surfaced that Wenger was interested in signing another right back, Javier Manquillo from Atlético Madrid. That transfer never came to fruition, but the signs were suggesting that Jenkinson’s place within Arsenal’s squad was far from secure.
Having signed for the club in the summer of 2011, Jenkinson made only 37 appearances over the past three seasons for the club. Despite signing a long-term contract in 2012, he never established himself as a viable option at right back, particularly with the consistently strong Sagna ahead of him.
His role with the club for the upcoming season took a fatal blow after the signing of 19-year-old right back Calum Chambers from Southampton for a hefty fee of £16 million. Such an investment in an even younger version of Jenkinson signaled his diminishing influence.
Recently, it appeared that Hull City would be Jenkinson’s destination. The Tigers seemed to be interested in a £3 million permanent deal, but Arsenal has expressed a preference in a season-long loan move. Now it looks as if West Ham United will be Jenkinson’s destination for this season. A move to West Ham will suit Jenkinson’s preference to remain in his native London, and it is assumed that he will compete with Guy Demel for the right back role. But should the loan move be completed, it is fair to expect that Jenkinson will gain a significant increase in playing time.
Jenkinson, who grew up an Arsenal fan, recently appeared in their 1-0 defeat to New York Red Bulls. He may still appear for the club during Arsenal’s Emirates Cup preseason tournament in August, which would present an opportunity for a warm sendoff for one of the fan favorites at the club.
