Arsenal continue to find talent in the lower echelons of English football, as they confirmed the signing of highly-rated defender Carl Jenkinson from Charlton Athletic. The 19-year old youngster can play both center-half or right-back, the latter was where he was deployed at his former club. It is rumoured that Arsenal paid in the region of 1 million to capture the former Addicks man.
The new acquisition, who made only eight appearances for Charlton, played the Under-17's and Under-18's for England, before switching his loyalties to Finland for the Under-19's, which he qualifies for because of the nationality of his mother.
Jenkinson was quick to thank Charlton's board and fans after the news of his move came in.
Jenkinson however, isn't a name that has suddenly come out of the blue. He was rumoured to be moving to Manchester United back in 2009 when he was 17, for a whopping 500,000. The deal didn't go through, but if the 6'1'' defender sparked interest at that age, then the potential surely isn't lacking.
Arsene Wenger's philosophy of building a team for the coming years has its own supporters, but on the same day that Manchester United are linked with the signings Ashley Young and Phil Jones for more than 15 million each, and Liverpool wrap up the signing of Jordan Henderson for 20 million, Gooners wouldn't be too optimistic about next season seeing Jenkinson among their ranks.
There is hope though, that Jenkinson, along with the other youngsters, mature rapidly into regular first-team players, and that Arsene Wenger writes a bigger number on his chequebook before the end of the transfer season to buy some quality and much-needed experience in his side until these uncut diamonds are polished and ready to dazzle.
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