Arsene Wenger has confirmed his desire to keep Carl Jenkinson at The Emirates next summer.
The right-back, a fan-favourite, has enjoyed a stellar season on loan at London rivals West Ham, making 33 appearances in all competitions. Hammers manager Sam Allardyce is keen to retain the England Under-21 international’s services permanently but Wenger insists only another loan deal would be considered.
In his press conference toady, Wenger said:
“I met Carl this week to speak about his future. We will sit down together at the end of the season, but my target is to keep him here at the club.”
“He has had a great season for me and he has moved forward and overall he has gained a lot of confidence. The decision I have to make is do I bring him back now or does he need one more year now to play in the Premier League. It is not decided yet.”
With fierce competition for the right-back from the likes of Mathieu Debuchy, Hector Bellerin and Callum Chambers it remains to be seen whether Carl’s return would be in his, or the club’s, best interest.
“That’s what I have to decide at the end of the season,” he said. “He needs experience. Carl is a young, very promising right back with top quality and he had a good year where he has really moved forward. It’s important that he has a good chance to play if he comes back.”
You can find the manager’s full press conference here.
