Crystal Palace have emerged as the top contenders for the signature of Arsenal defender Carl Jenkinson, who is out of favour at the Emirates
The Daily Mirror are reporting that Crystal Palace lead the race for the 24-year-old defender, with Watford, Swansea City, Aston Villa and West Ham also interested. Manager Sam Allardyce has previously worked with Jenkinson at West Ham United and wants to push through a January move for the Englishman, according to the report.
Jenkinson spent the last two seasons out on loan at West Ham. His return to the Arsenal fold hasn’t been particularly memorable, with the right-back failing to impress manager Arsene Wenger.
The player couldn’t impress when Spaniard Hector Bellerin was out injured, and it is unlikely he will be handed many chances with the first choice right-back fit. Jenkinson could well be on the move away from Arsenal once again this winter, in search of more playing time.
Former club West Ham United have once again thrown their name in the hat, hoping to take Jenkinson in on loan for the third time. However, Crystal Palace are keen on Jenkinson as well, with Sam Allardyce keen to talk to Arsenal about a possible loan deal.
Arsenal and Arsene Wenger already have an established first choice right-back in Hector Bellerin, and the duo of Mathieu Debuchy and Carl Jenkinson are both vying for the role of back-up. Jenkinson has hardly played for Arsenal this season, with just five appearances to his name.
Two of those starts came in the League Cup, two in the Champions League and one in the Premier League. It was in the latter most game that he looked the least convincing, and ever since then speculation has been rife that Jenkinson will be leaving the Emirates soon.
West Ham United could do with the 24-year-old, given their dearth of options in that position, and Jenkinson will definitely prefer a move to familiar grounds. However, it looks like Crystal Palace have stolen a march on their London rivals, and his former manager might just convince Jenkinson to try his luck at Selhurst Park instead of the Olympic Stadium.
