Nottingham Forest are keen to sign Arsenal outcast Carl Jenkinson prior to Thursday’s transfer deadline, according to The Sun.
The Reds are keen to add a right-back to their ranks after Tendayi Darikwa picked up an ACL injury during training last week.
Negotiations are thought to be underway between Forest and Arsenal. It is unclear at this stage, however, whether the deal would be a loan or permanent.
Arsenal are thought to be willing to allow Jenkinson to leave the club for £5 million this summer (The Sun). Whether Forest would pay that sort of money is a mystery at this stage.
Jenkinson signed for the Gunners in 2011 and was viewed as one of the brightest young talents in English football.
It’s fair to suggest he hasn’t quite scaled the heights that his potential suggested at the Emirates Stadium.
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The 27-year-old has made just 70 appearances in eight years with the club and has been on loan to Birmingham City and West Ham too.
The Seat Pitch Summary
Jenkinson wouldn’t be a bad addition to the Forest ranks and he would arrive match fit after featuring for the Gunners during pre-season.
It seems more likely that Forest will look to strike a loan deal at this stage. Jenkinson is out of contract next summer and £5 million on that basis does look excessive.
A new right-back is a must for Sabri Lamouchi prior to Thursday’s deadline. Matty Cash filled in during Saturday’s loss against West Bromwich Albion and did okay. It’s not his natural position, however, and the Reds could do with his presence further forward.
The man with one England cap to his name would actually be a perfect alternative to the injured Darikwa. Both have similar styles of play, with both enjoying pushing forward in attack as well as remaining solid in defence.
It could prove a savvy signing on that basis and it would allow Cash the chance to become an option on the wing instead.
Jenkinson would have to prove himself to his new army of supporters, but his arrival would definitely bolster Forest’s squad.
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