Arsenal sorted out the future of Carl Jenkinson on Monday after he agreed a new long term contract with the club and then immediately joined West Ham United on loan again.
Jenkinson has signed a new five year deal with Arsenal, worth £45,000 per week and has immediately joined West Ham on loan and they will pay for his wages in full for the season – whilst also giving the Gunners a loan fee in the region of £1.4million.
Jenkinson’s future had been up in the air with some sources suggesting he was in line for a permanent move to West Ham following a successful loan spell with the club last season.
Arsene Wenger is a big fan of Jenkinson and is keen to keep the young core of British players at Arsenal flowing. With Mathieu Debuchy entering his 30’s this season, there could be a space in the squad for Jenkinson next season if he again finds form on loan, and the new five year contract indicates Arsene Wenger is confident he will do just that.
Jenkinson was never in contention for Arsenal’s travelling squad to Singapore this week due to his involvement in the under 21 European Championships this summer. But his loan move to West Ham was always in the pipeline after chairman David Gold declared the clubs interest.
Debuchy and Hector Bellerin will now battle it out for a first team spot – with Calum Chambers also an option in that role. Bellerin will be confident of keeping Debuchy out the side following an impressive run in 2015.
23 year old Jenkinson could still have a long term future at the club – and this deal indicates a confidence in him from Wenger and the clubs hierarchy. I think if he continues to improve and mature whilst on loan at West Ham there is no reason he cannot become a mainstay in the Arsenal squad.
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Jenkinson’s disadvantage is he is young, but Bellerin is younger and seemingly more naturally gifted. Jenkinson can also only play in one position too, which will also restrict his exposure to first team football at Arsenal.