Report: Arsenal defender Carl Jenkinson emerges as a target for Celtic

Add as preferred source on Google

Celtic are looking to address their problems at right-back by moving for Arsenal defender Carl Jenkinson, according to The Sun.

Neil Lennon will see Mikael Lustig depart for Gent in the coming days, whilst Jeremy Toljan and Cristian Gamboa have also left Parkhead.

The 27-year-old has fallen way down the pecking order at the Emirates Stadium. He played just eight times during 2018/19 and is seemingly surplus under Unai Emery.

Celtic will go in search of some new players this summer as they aim to keep a resurgent Rangers at arm’s length.

Jenkinson arrived at Arsenal from Charlton in 2011 but has managed just 70 first-team appearances in North London.

He has been on loan at Birmingham City and West Ham previously, enjoying a decent spell in the team during two spells with the Hammers.

There are some doubts surrounding his contract situation at the Emirates. He wasn’t announced as being released on the club’s retained list; despite his contract being up at the end of the month.

TBR Verdict

The signing of Jenkinson wouldn’t really excite many Celtic fans.

His handful of appearances for the Gunners last season were met with ridicule from supporters who it’s fair to say haven’t rated him.

Neil Lennon must land a right-back who is capable of playing 35-40 games a season and Jenkinson hasn’t shown signs of doing that.

At 27-years-old he is of a decent age but serious doubts would remain regarding his ability.

The £45k-a-week performer (Spotrac) was badly out of form last season, struggling for any real consistency and Celtic can ill-afford a passenger.

Jenkinson might be available on a free this summer, but Celtic should still explore other right-back options.