Rafa Benitez is looking towards north London to possibly strengthen his Newcastle United squad this summer in the form of Arsenal full back Carl Jenkinson. The Newcastle Evening Chronicle reports that The Mirror states that the Magpies could make their move for the ex-Charlton youngster, after previously expressing an interest for him in the past.
Jenkinson has found game time hard to come by this season. In total, he has played just five games for the Gunners this season, his most recent appearance coming in November during an EFL Cup home defeat to Southampton. He had spells out on loan at West Ham United in previous seasons, but he is likely to have to find himself a new club very soon.
He does still have a year remaining on his deal at the Emirates Stadium, but Arsene Wenger, or any possibly new manager which comes in, is unlikely to keep him on so will happily sell him on a year early. Benitez does currently have decent options in the right back department however, but there is more to that. Vurnon Anita is out of contract this summer, plus Jesus Gamez hasn’t made a big impression either. USA international DeAndre Yedlin is proven in the Premier League, but has had a few injuries this season too. Young Jamie Sterry is another option as well.
Much was expected of Jenkinson went he made the move to Arsenal in 2011 after making a name for himself with Charlton. The Gunners paid £1million to sign the player up, and although he did earn an England cap in 2012 in a friendly against Sweden, he has failed to live up to fairly lofty expectations. Newcastle could be just the club he needs to get his career back on track.
