Arsenal and Nottingham Forest are in talks over the transfer of right-back Carl Jenkinson as the Gunners look to trim their squad before the season begins.
Arsenal might have done their major business signing players for key areas although they are yet to make a significant sale to boost their coffers. According to The Sun, Nottingham Forest are in talks with Arsenal to sign Carl Jenkinson. Now it remains to be seen if the deal is for a loan or permanent transfer.
Arsenal have enough personnel to cover for the right-back spot. Hector Bellerin is their regular starter but remains injured and likely to miss the start of the season. Ainsley Maitland-Niles is his back-up and performed admirably in the Spaniard’s absence. Stephan Lichtsteiner also left the club after his one year deal expired at the end of last season, but Emery has not signed a replacement.
On first look, Arsenal only have two players for the right-back slot, and despite that Emery has deemed Jenkinson surplus to requirements for the upcoming season. Arsenal are understood to be willing to let Jenkinson leave the club for £5 million, although Forest’s offer is still unclear. There are rumours the iconic English side are looking for a loan deal, but Arsenal might want to make a sale outright.
Jenkinson was long understood to be one of those players to leave Arsenal this summer. In the process, he was interesting a few clubs in the Championship. West Brom were notably known admirers of the right-back but have since not followed up on their interest until now.
Crystal Palace boss Roy Hodgson was also keen on Jenkinson. Palace are yet to replace Aaron Wan-Bissaka who completed a £50 million move to Manchester United earlier in the window. Hodgson wanted Jenkinson for next season, although Palace too have yet to open any significant talks with Arsenal for the defender. It was Hodgson who handed Jenkinson his England debut during his time as manager.
With no other club so far showing any particular interest, Jenkinson might as well fancy the idea of playing for Forest. He will undoubtedly play regularly there, but of course, there won’t be Premier League action for him. However, things can drastically change over time. Jenkinson might waiting until the last minute to see if Palace resurrect their interest before making a final decision.
