Report: Turkish club and Celtic make offer for Arsenal star

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Turkish outlet Fotomac have claimed that both Celtic and Besiktas have made offers to sign Arsenal defender Carl Jenkinson this summer, but the Turkish club’s terms are better than that of Celtic.

Jenkinson, 27, is said to be interesting both Celtic and Besiktas while English Championship side West Bromwich Albion are also in talks to sign the England international – as per Sky Sports.

The former Charlton Athletic defender only managed eight appearances for Arsenal last season, with Unai Emery preferring the likes of Hector Bellerin and then Ainsley Maitland-Niles – after Bellerin’s injury.

Celtic are likely to be after a new right-sided defender after Mikael Lustig confirmed on Instagram that he is joining Belgian side Gent, after more than seven years at Parkhead since joining on a free from Rosenborg in January 2012.

Though Besiktas have offered better terms, according to Fotomac, Jenkinson may want to remain on these shores and that could give Celtic a helping hand in their bid to land the defender.

TBR’s view

Jenkinson is perfect for Celtic. The defender is likely to be available for a cut-price figure, which will be to Celtic’s liking, but also that he fits within the Hoops’ style of play.

Under Neil Lennon, Celtic control the opposition in their half by pushing high up, with the full-backs being used almost as wingers. Jenkinson is more than willing to get forward, and is known to lay on assist or even score.

Just as Lustig did in Scotland from time to time, Jenkinson can find the back of the net but remains defensively astute. The one stumbling block is that he earns £45,000 a week at Arsenal, according to Spotrac.