Arsenal to extend Jenkinson contract, then loan him

According to a report on ESPN FC, Arsenal want to extend the contract of right back, Arsenal fan and banter man Carl Jenkinson, before loaning him out for the forthcoming Premier League season. Jenkinson, 23, spent last season on loan at West Ham following the arrivals of Mathieu Debuchy and Calum Chambers. Debuchy, of course, spent most of last season injured, and Chambers looked far more comfortable at centre back than right back, but the coming to prominence of Héctor Bellerín means that Jenkinson would still be blocked at right back by at least two players. However, the England international impressed at West Ham last season, and the indication from Arsenal is that they would prefer to keep him, especially given that Debuchy turns 30 in July.

Southampton, Sunderland and West Ham have all been linked with loan moves for Jenkinson, with Arsenal agreeing a loan fee with Sunderland. However, West Ham chairman David Gold confirmed that the Hammers would still like to loan Jenkinson, and it is thought he would prefer to stay in London. Jenkinson played 36 times for West Ham last season, and looked a solid enough right back for the Premier League. Another season on loan, playing first team football, would be good for him, and with a new contract at Arsenal, it'd show that the club still want him as part of the future, to provide backup and competition for Bellerín. But with Debuchy having only joined last summer, it seems like it'll be another year before Jenkinson can force his way into the lineup. Therefore, a loan move and regular first-team football seems the best move for all parties.