West Ham’s move for Carl Jenkinson is edging ever close to completion after the England U-21 international snubbed a move to the north-east.
Sunderland and Arsenal had agreed terms for a £2m loan deal, but it’s evident that Jenkinson enjoyed his time in East London and now looks set for a return in the club’s final year at Upton Park.
It was the first season that Jenkinson had played a major first team role after breaking through Arsenal’s youth set-up, as signings such as Hector Bellerin and Callum Chambers slowly moved him down the pecking order at The Emirates.
Supporters and players alike at West Ham will be delighted that this deal looks to be getting the go ahead, after Jenkinson performed brilliantly for the Hammers last term. Not only solid defensively, the English right-back was always a threat on the break with his blistering pace.
The only sticking point with the deal sofar is the quoted £2m loan fee that Sunderland were willing to pay. But it’s understood that West Ham’s owners are looking to manufacture a deal where that fee is to be deductible from any future option to buy.
After Hector Bellerin’s magnificent season for Arsenal last year, it’s very likely that Jenkinson will only be 2nd choice at best and now that he’s beginning to make advances in his international career, Jenkinson will be wanting to secure regular first-team football, exactly what he got at Upton Park during the last campaign.
Writer’s view: This will be a key acquisition for West Ham. They appear to be looking at bolstering their attacking options at present, so to preserve their excellent back four from last season is key as they prepare to begin their Europa League run on 2nd July.
They will certainly be running out of time to find a suitable starting full back if the deal for Carl Jenkinson doesn’t materialise.