Arsenal are reportedly taken a keen look at Jonjoe Kenny and could move for the Everton defender in the upcoming transfer window.
According to TransferMarketWeb, Jonjoe Kenny is a surprise name that has popped up on the radar of Arsenal. The Gunners are taking a keen look at the Everton defender and could become a summer transfer target for the London outfit, with Arsene Wenger looking to beef up his options at the back.
Jonjoe Kenny’s rise within the Everton setup was the silver lining to emerge from the horrific leg fracture suffered by Seamus Coleman – an injury that kept the Irishman out for more than half of the current Premier League campaign. The local lad was afforded a chance by Ronald Koeman and the 21-year-old soon established himself as a mainstay at right-back.
Kenny has managed to retain his place under new manager Sam Allardyce and his burgeoning reputation has come under the scanner of Arsenal, according to the report.
Arsenal have Hector Bellerin to guard the right flank. And while the Spaniard has been able to regather himself after a tumultuous period when Wenger opted for a back-three, question marks remain over the defender’s future, with Juventus and Manchester United circling.
Even if Bellerin is to stay at the Emirates, Arsenal do not have many options beyond the Spaniard. Wenger has used Ainsley Maitland-Niles – a right winger by trade – as Bellerin’s deputy. But, the need for addition in the said position is very much present at the club.
Jonjoe Kenny has had his breakout campaign and could go on to have a career similar to Coleman, who broke through in similar fashion at Everton before cementing his name as one of the best right-backs in the Premier League.
But, there is one little problem. Jonjoe Kenny’s pursuit is similar to what we have seen unfold at Arsenal as far as Calum Chambers is concerned. The former Southampton man was snapped up by Arsenal right after his breakout season and while he did show promise at the start, he has failed to establish himself at the club up until now.
There is no question as to the fact that Kenny has proven himself in the Premier League to a large extent this season. But, this could somewhat also stem from a lack of competition in the said position and perhaps, lesser pressure, with Everton not fighting for the positions they were touted to be this season.
A transfer from Everton to Arsenal will be a step up for the 21-year-old. And the Gunners have already seen one such prospect, Calum Chambers, stagnate.
Kenny is contracted to Everton till 2022 and while Arsenal’s interest will be welcomed by the youngster, his focus must be towards backing his breakout season with an equally impressive campaign.
All the more likely, Arsenal are just keeping a check of the talent pool. An unlikely transfer.
