Arsenal right-back Carl Jenkinson signed a new long term deal at the club this afternoon, before departing to south-east London to sign for West Ham on a season long loan. Jenkinson starred for the Hammers last season and played 32 games under Sam Allardyce, helping West Ham finish in the top half. It was clear that new manager Slaven Bilic was a keen admirer of the 23-year-old.
Sixth signing for the Hammers
The England under-21 international is the sixth signing for the Hammers this season as Bilic looks to improve on West Ham’s top half finish last season and get them into Europe. Jenkinson joins fellow signings; Stephen Hendrie, Pedro Obiang, Darren Randolph, Dimitri Payet and Angelo Ogbonna in the West Ham squad.
Point to prove
Despite being optimistic and looking forward to challenge of playing for West Ham, Jenkinson knows that he must prove himself to new manager Slaven Bilic if he wants to play every week. In an interview with West Ham’s official site, the full expressed his delight at re-join the Hammers.
The 23-year-old also cited West Ham as a "family" club with a fantastic fanbase, and as club which "ticks all the boxes".
Despite signing a new contract with the Gunners before the loan deal to West Ham was confirmed, it is clear that Jenkinson still has a lot of work to do in order to get his place back in the Arsenal team back. Currently, he finds himself behind Mathieu Debuchy, Hector Bellerin and Calum Chambers. Bellerin was hugely impressive last season coming into the squad and making the position his own after Debuchy had a torrid time with injury.
No matter how difficult it will be for Jenkinson to get his Arsenal place back, it is evident that Wenger see’s him as a future star.
