Reds ready to tempt Arsenal’s Carl Jenkinson to Anfield this summer

Arsenal right back Carl Jenkinson is a target for Liverpool this summer, with the Reds in search of a long-term English replacement for Glen Johnson and the Gunners defender set to struggle for regular action at the Emirates once his loan spell at West Ham United finishes.

The sole-capped England international full back has enjoyed a successful season-long loan spell with the Hammers, after Arsene Wenger offloaded the youngster last summer, having already acquired a host of quality right backs in his ranks.

Brendan Rodgers’ Reds are seemingly likely to meet Jenkinson’s parent club in the FA Cup final at Wembley this year, after both clubs were drawn against Aston Villa and Reading respectively, with Liverpool now a 13/8 chance with Coral to lift the trophy.

The emphatic Emirates emergence of Hector Bellerin this term, along with the constant showings of fellow senior right backs Mathieu Debuchy and Calum Chambers, has meant that Jenkinson’s Arsenal future has been cast into serious doubt.

Earlier in the season, Jenkinson admitted that he needed to leave the Emirates to prevent his career from hitting a stumbling block.

“I didn’t want to have another season sitting on the bench,” he said.

“I wanted to go to a team where I was going to learn and improve and I think I’m definitely doing that here at West Ham.”

Sam Allardyce has been enjoying the best of the 23-year-old’s abilities this term, with Jenkinson having quickly established himself as the club’s first-choice right back, after consistent displays in East London.

Those potent performances have certainly caught the eye of Reds boss Rodgers, who is keen to snap up the England Under-21 full back, as current defender Johnson looks set to depart the red half of Merseyside this summer and Jon Flanagan suffering several injury set backs.

Although, top four hopefuls Liverpool face tough competition from Jenkinson’s current loan club for his permanent signature, with the Hammers hoping to tie down their temporary full back after he has featured in 25 Premier League games this term.

The Reds have slipped off the pace in the race for a Champions League position and are now 6/1 to finish in those coveted European spots but, even without a place in Europe’s elite club competition, Rodgers will be confident of landing his targeted full back Jenkinson this summer.