Arsenal defender lined-up for Aston Villa loan?
By Josh Tonti
Will manager Steve Bruce turn to Arsenal for January reinforcements? Right back Carl Jenkinson is being eyed for a potential loan move to Aston Villa.
Seeking defensive help, Steve Bruce has his eyes pried towards a new right back. Alan Hutton’s performances thus far have been reminiscent of last season’s Premier League play. Lots of rash defending coupled with wayward passing.
Ritchie De Laet’s cruciate injury only exacerbated the need for a new right fullback. Enter: Jenkinson, Carl. Arsenal’s one time answer for the future of the position has been dispelled in recent seasons by the excellent Hector Bellerin.
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Ten months removed from a cruciate injury of his own, Jenkinson is working his way back to one- hundred percent match fitness.
Jenkinson, now 24, appeared in five matches for Arsenal in the: EFL Cup, UEFA Champions League, and Premier League this campaign.
Most recently, Jenkinson has had to settle for third-string behind the aforementioned Bellerin and French veteran Mathieu Debuchy.
Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger is reluctant to let Jenkinson leave, admitting he is a viable alternate to Bellerin when fully fit. “When fully fit” being the key qualifier here.
Jenkinson tore his anterior cruciate ligament while on-loan at West Ham United last season. That was year two of his loan that subsequently was not extended so that he could rehab at Arsenal’s medical facilities.
A fit, match sharp Carl Jenkinson would be a massive boost for an Aston Villa side that really struggles at the right fullback position. Simply put, an improvement over Alan Hutton/Leandro Bacuna could net Villa an additional 1-4 points on the season.
At 6’1″ and possessing surprising athletic qualities, Jenkinson would bring a new element to the claret and blue back line. He is known to be an excellent crosser of the ball – added marginal value considering Villa’s plethora of aerial attackers (Kodjia, Gestede etc).
He is exactly the type of player management should be striving for; even if the resulting acquisition is only a loan move. Buying low on a Premier League quality player would represent a shrewd piece of business by owner Tony Xia.
Bring Carl Jenkinson to Villa Park ASAP.