I wonder whether Arsene Wenger regrets his decision to send Carl Jenkinson out on loan with West Ham. After all, his side are currently facing a defensive injury crisis, whilst The Hammers are currently on the way up.
As things currently stand, Sam Allardyce’s team are just three points off The Gunners. Indeed, at many times this season, West Ham have been above Arsenal in the Premier League table.
West Ham have conceded the exact same number of Premier League goals as Arsenal this season (25) and that’s in large part down to some top-drawer displays from Carl Jenkinson and Winston Reid (ably supported by The Hammers’ other defensive options).
‘Jenkers’ has also proven to be an effective force moving forward. He’s not afraid to make marauding runs and he’s able to flash in decent crosses. He’s currently enjoying the kind of break-out season that he probably wouldn’t have had if he decided to stay at The Emirates.
Naturally enough, fans have already begun to wonder if West Ham will attempt to tie Carl Jenkinson down to a long-term deal. Unfortunately for The Hammers, he’s not going to come cheap. The Metro claim that Arsene Wenger wants as much as £12m for the young English full-back.
That’s a lot of money, but in truth, that probably represents his fair market value. At 22-years-old, Jenkinson could kick-on and become a very special player indeed.
One thing’s for sure; Jenkinson’s recent comments will spur The Hammers on. Check them out: ‘I didn’t want to have another season sitting on the bench. It was starting to drive me up the wall a little bit, I wanted to get out and play football, and I’ve realised that I’m happiest when I’m playing regular football.’
‘I didn’t want to go on loan to a team that was just going to kick the ball long. I wanted to go to a team where I was going to learn and improve and I think I’m definitely doing that here at West Ham… He’s given me the licence to get forward and express myself. I know what I’m capable of.’
Carl Jenkinson is known to be an Arsenal fan, but it sounds like he may be willing to put his career first. Regular game-time is what’s important now. Maybe tying him down for the future won’t be too difficult after all. Allardyce and co. just need to find the money to make it happen.
What’s your take? Could The Hammers really secure a deal for Carl Jenkinson?
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