Why West Ham must seriously consider move for former star

There are a number of key areas in the squad that aren’t particularly up to scratch at the moment, particularly on the right side of defence.

With Sam Byram injured, Alvaro Arbeloa past it and Michail Antonio not suited to play as a right-back, it’s obvious we should be looking to strengthen that side of the team when the transfer window reopens in January.

But given the lack of success in the market during the summer, it’s fair to see the club should consider looking a little closer at home when identifying worthwhile additions to the squad.

There is one right-back that stands out more than anyone else at the moment, and that is Carl Jenkinson.

The Arsenal defender didn’t enjoy the best of times during the first half of last season before he got injured, but we witnessed him at his best during his first season on loan at the club and he helped make us solid at the back.

Some would stick their noses up at the idea of Jenkinson coming back to West Ham, but would they much prefer watching Michail Antonio play out of position and struggle every week?

Here are three reasons why West Ham should try and re-sign Carl Jenkinson in January…

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Familiarity

One of the biggest problems with the business we did in the summer is that the majority of the players we signed had never played in England, let alone the Premier League.

That means a significant period of time must be given for them to settle in and adapt, which most of them have tried and failed to do.

But Jenko has already played over 50 games for the club over two loan spells and will know the manager and the players already at the club. He will not need to time to adapt to living in London, nor will he need to get used to playing in the Premier League.

He’s ready made.

He’s available

Jenko may be covering for the injured Hector Bellerin at the moment, but he will always remain behind the Spaniard in the pecking order.

Bellerin signed a huge new and improved contract to remain at Arsenal earlier this week, despite being linked with moves to Barcelona and Manchester City, which proves the Gunners have him down as a vital asset.

Jenkinson will not want to play second fiddle when he has already proven he can be a first team regular in the Premier League at West Ham.

He offers a lot in defence and attack

During his first season, Jenko and Cresswell offered us a lot going forward from both sides of defence. We’ve lacked that ever since and although Cresswell has given us a different dimension on the left since his return from injury, we’re still extremely weak down the right.

Jenko will provide us with pace and an attacking mentality but also tighten us up at the back, preventing the current overload of goals conceded as well as improving our chances of scoring at the other end.