Should Arsenal Keep Jenkinson?

Should Arsenal Keep Jenkinson?

It’s going to be a rough couple of months for Arsenal who could be left depending on Hector Bellerin and Bellerin alone as a designated right-back as Mathieu Debuchy and Carl Jenkinson are rumoured to be on their way. To be fair, the two haven’t had it easy at the Emirates where the only times they played was if circumstances made it essential. Jenkinson’s deal will expire in 2019 and Debuchy’s in 2019 which means negotiations are in place. While they will not be the most expensive players in the world they will still bring revenue to North London where the money is always welcome.


The big question that arises if there’s any positive aspect, is will Arsenal benefit if the two leave. We all know injuries are one of the Gunners biggest problems and that a youngster like Bellerin, while tough, is still developing. Another injury like the one he suffered this season could keep him on the bench for longer than the first time thus leaving Wenger with no one to cover the right flank other than Gabriel who did very well as a stop gap earlier in the campaign. Even if Wenger tried avoiding a verdict in Jenkinson’s case, it is pretty clear that he will leave for at least a loan deal this winter. According to Sky Sports, Crystal Palace want Jenkinson even though it was not directly admitted by Allardyce:

“My interest is in strengthening the defence, not the attack at this moment in time.

“When Wilfried Zaha and Bakary Sako come back (from the Africa Cup of Nations), we have got good options on the front line.

“It is not a priority but we need to secure more defensive players. We have got bids in for three or four players and will find out if they are successful.”

For most it is pretty clear that Jenkinson is no longer in a pre-Arsenal phase when he is sent on loan to prepare for playing in the first team. He is not what Wenger needs so will it be a good idea to sell him? Probably yes because there are a lot of options for Wenger to explore – options eager to join Arsenal and to compete with Bellerin for a spot in the starting eleven. It`s the same with Debuchy who has lost motivation and has been looking to leave London for a while now.