Arsenal are reportedly considering making a swoop for Everton defender Jonjoe Kenny as a potential replacement for Hector Bellerin this summer.
According to a report from the Daily Mail, Premier League giants Arsenal could be set to raid rivals Everton for the signing of right-back Jonjoe Kenny amid uncertainty surrounding the future of Hector Bellerin.
Bellerin’s time at the Emirates Stadium is fast drawing to a close as manager Mikel Arteta looks to revamp his defensive line after a disappointing 2020/21 season. The Spanish international has been made available for a transfer this summer although Arsenal are struggling to attract suitors for him, with the likes of AC Milan, Real Betis and Villarreal priced out of a move while PSG have turned their focus towards Serge Aurier.
Nevertheless, Bellerin is expected to make his way out of north London in the current transfer window, leaving Arteta with just Cedric Soares and Calum Chambers as options at right-back. While the latter impressed in the backend of the season, he is not a natural in the position whereas Cedric has not been always consistent.
So, securing another right-sided full-back would bode well for Arsenal. To that end, they have shown an interest in Brighton & Hove Albion’s Tariq Lamptey but are keeping their options open with Jonjoe Kenny now emerging as a viable target.
The 24-year-old Englishman is a product of the Everton youth academy and had a loan spell away at Wigan Athletic before he made his first-team debut for the Toffees in 2016. Kenny has since gone on to make 42 appearances for the Merseysiders, setting up three goals while he has also had further loan stints with Oxford United, FC Schalke and more recently, Celtic.
Kenny signed for the Scottish giants during the January transfer window earlier this year and made a solid impression, racking up four assists in 16 appearances across all competitions. The former England youth international is now back at Everton, where his contract expires in a little over a year. And, with Seamus Coleman and Ben Godfrey seemingly ahead of him in the pecking order, the 24-year-old could be made available for a transfer.
Whether Arsenal do launch a swoop for Kenny or look at alternatives such as Zeki Celik of LOSC Lille remains to be seen. Any move for a right-back, though, will depend on the Gunners being able to offload Bellerin.
