Benitez eyeing summer move for Arsenal defender

The Mirror report that want-away Arsenal right-back, Carl Jenkinson, is attracting interest from Newcastle United, suggesting Rafa is readying a move for the defender should we seal promotion.

The full-back’s contract expires in 2018 and reports suggest he will be allowed to leave the Emirates this summer, with Chris Hughton’s Brighton also said to also be interested in the Englishman.

Aside from DeAndre Yedlin, we do currently have several right-back’s on our books, but should we gain promotion, another wouldn’t go amiss. Vurnon Anita’s future remains unclear, with the Dutchman’s contract set the expire this summer, while veteran Spaniard Jesus Gamez has barely featured this term, showing little to suggest he’d feature in the top flight.

Jenkinson has valuable Premier League experience and would represent a solid yet unspectacular addition to the squad.

Should Anita be released, a player of his ilk may be ideal to provide competition for the promising DeAndre Yedlin, however it is a concern that his proposed move to Crystal Palace broke down in January based on his excessive wage demands.

I wouldn’t be opposed to signing the versatile 25 year-old in an attempt to build a squad capable of competing in the top flight, but such a signing may hamper the progress of Yedlin, or the returning Kevin Mbabu, who will be looking to make an impact this summer following a loan spell in Switzerland with BSC Young Boys.

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About Olly Hawkins

As a Junior Magpie since birth and season ticket holder, I eat, sleep and breathe all things NUFC! Here at the blog, I aim to bring you news, views, match reports and transfer exclusives as and when I get them.

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