Arsenal fullback Carl Jenkinson is a January transfer target for cross-town rivals West Ham United
The England international has made only 4 top-flight appearances for Arsenal this term, after recovering from his knee injury and has been unable to force his way into Arsene Wenger’s side. He is looking to move away from the Emirates on a short term deal in order to get more game time.
According to a report in by the Evening Standard, the 24-year-old is a January target for Premier League strugglers and cross town rivals West Ham. Hull City, Swansea, and Championship side Aston Villa are also said to be interested.
Jenkinson joined West Ham United on a season long loan in 2014 and after a successful spell, extended his deal for another year. After making nearly 60 appearances for Slaven Bilic’s side, he suffered a knee injury in January that kept him sidelined for the remainder of the campaign.
Slaven Bilic’s side currently sit 4 points from the relegation zone at 13th place, and Jenkinson’s return in January would significantly help bolster their ailing defence. Fellow strugglers Swansea and Hull City sit at the bottom of the table, but a move to either club seems unlikely.
After a horrid start to the season which saw Roberto Di Matteo get sacked after 12 games, Aston Villa have managed to turn things around after Steve Bruce’s arrival and they currently sit 6 points away from a play-off spot at 13th place in the Championship table.
The former Charlton Athletic fullback has found game time difficult to come by this season due to competition from Nacho Monreal and Hector Bellerin. Arsene Wenger even chose to deploy center-back Gabriel at fullback this season ahead of Jenkinson when Bellerin was injured.
A move away from the Emirates, especially to a club where he would be able to get some regular minutes should certainly aid in his recovery whilst also helping him build some of his lost confidence. At only 24, he still has the best years of his career ahead of him and a move away would certainly allow him to make an impression with Arsene Wenger and England manager Gareth Southgate.
