Leeds United are expected to be in the market for a right-back this summer, with the Whites short on depth in defence. Luke Ayling is the only natural option at fullback for Marcelo Bielsa, with Gaetano Berardi being a centre-back and Stuart Dallas operating in midfield. A cheap option could be to sign Carl Jenkinson this summer, with the Arsenal defender out of contract in July.
The 27-year-old has made 70 appearances in all competitions for the Gunners since joining from Charlton Athletic in 2011. Jenkinson has fallen down the pecking order in recent years and finds himself behind Hector Bellerin and Stephan Lichtsteiner this season. He’s made only eight appearances for Arsenal in 2018/19, just two of which have come since January.
Jenkinson currently earns £2.34m-a-year/£45k-per-week at the Emirates, but Leeds would be spared a transfer fee as his deal is up this summer. United could have competition for his signature, but they’ll be an attractive proposition if they win promotion to the Premier League via the playoffs. Should they fail, however, Jenkinson might not be open to dropping a division.
Arsenal have until May 18 to announce whether Jenkinson will be given a new deal or released, so movement could be made in the coming weeks.
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