After completing the signing of Italy international Angelo Ogbonna last week, West Ham are now expected to bolster their defensive ranks by securing the signing of Carl Jenkinson from Arsenal on another season-long loan deal.
The England U21 international recently arrived back from a summer holiday and signed a new 5 year deal with his parent club before immediately signing for West Ham on loan for another season.
West Ham wanted to sign Jenkinson on a permanent deal after his impressive form for the club last season but Arsenal made it very clear that they were not going to sell a player they believe has a big future at the Emirates. The likes of Hector Bellerin, Callum Chambers and Mathieu Debuchy are all capable of playing in the right-back slot. However, with Debuchy ageing and Chambers looking to develop his career at centre-back, securing Jenkinson for the long-term future looks to have become a priority for Arsene Wenger’s side.
Jenkinson should complete his loan move to the Hammers tomorrow. Here he is in the new kit [pic via @sameulJayC] pic.twitter.com/vnEUiPAtol
— WHUFC (@Forever_WestHam) July 13, 2015
It is obviously disappointing that West Ham have not managed to secure the permanent capture of Jenkinson at the club but there is no doubt that the player is an excellent signing as both Jenkinson and Cresswell were very effective attacking full-backs last season. Hopefully the two defenders will carry a similar threat next season as the club looks to push on under Bilic.
The defence is really starting to take shape and it looks as if Bilic is trying to build a strong backline that will be able to cope with the demands that the new season is bound to throw at the team. A concern is still the lack of cover in the right-back area. Although Jenkinson is an excellent player, there is only Joey O’Brien left for back-up and he does not offer the same attacking prowess that Jenkinson possesses. West Ham also face Arsenal at the Emirates for the first game of the season which means Jenkinson will not be available to play, leaving Joey O’Brien as the only recognised senior right-back eligible to play.
Another promising, attacking right-back would be an excellent signing and would add further strength in depth. Aaron Cresswell and Stephen Hendrie at left-back look like two very good options for the club next season so the same approach should be applied to the right-hand side of the defence.
Although fans will be anxious to see further improvements, Jenkinson’s imminent arrival adds another good signing to Bilic’s current summer recruitment programme which includes Darren Randolph, Pedro Obiang, Dimitri Payet, Martin Samuelson and Angelo Ogbonna.
The club are now prioritising a move for a new striker as the Hammers look to add more goals to their front line next season.
