Arsenal are thought to be close to an agreement with a Championship club for a deal that will be completed in January.
According to The Sun and several other sources, Aston Villa boss Steve Bruce is very keen on Carl Jenkinson and it is being reported by some outlets that a loan deal between the two clubs is nearing completion. It is unknown whether a buy-option would be included in the deal.
When Hector Bellerin picked up an injury, the obvious replacement to come in was Carl Jenkinson, but the Englishman, after nearly a year on the sidelines, really struggled to get back up to the pace. Arsene Wenger has even publicly stated that Jenko has struggled and that will have further dented his confidence and the chance to play regularly for a good Championship club in Aston Villa, may appeal to the athletic right back.
Jenkinson is 24 years old now and although he is a lifelong Arsenal fan – it looks like his fairytale may be coming to an end. A loan at Aston Villa could do one of two things. Either raise his market value so that Arsenal can make a few million on his sale, or, if he really excels, he could prove himself to Arsene and Arsenal. But with the younger Bellerin ahead of him in the pecking order currently, it is hard to see Jenkinson ever playing regularly at Arsenal.
Arsenal are unlikely to enter the transfer market to replace Jenkinson with Gabriel showing in recent weeks that he can deputise in the right back position, as can Mustafi and Holding, whilst Debuchy is set to return to fitness next year. Wenger also considers young Ainsley Maitland-Niles as an option at full-back, so although there are few obvious back-ups to Bellerin, Wenger does have options and unless the perfect player becomes available, I cannot see Jenkinson’s future affecting Wenger in the market.
Arsenal’s transfer focus at present appears to be in retaining their current crop of top players, with several first teamers thought to be in contract negotiations at present.