Arsenal Transfer News: Khedira, Costa, Jenkinson And Grenier Discussed In Latest Rumors

After an encouraging summer of transfer activity for Arsenal, one member of the squad may be about to make way, with Carl Jenkinson reported to be close to joining West Ham United on loan. The signing of Calum Chambers this week threw Jenkinson’s future into doubt, despite Arsène Wenger emphasizing the versatility of the England Under-19 international, who operated as a right-back for Southampton last season.

Still, with Mathieu Debuchy having already arrived from Newcastle United to replace the departed Bacary Sagna, Arsenal are well served on the right of their defense. According to Sky Sports, while Wenger still considers Jenkinson in his long-term plans, he is open to him leaving on loan for a season to gain regular first-team action in the Premier League. The 22-year-old has started just 26 matches in the Premier League since joining from Charlton Athletic in 2011. Hull City, Sunderland and Swansea City were also believed to be in the running, but West Ham are front-runners after having discussions with Jenkinson earlier in the week.

It remains to be seen whether the signings of Chambers, Debuchy, Alexis Sánchez and Colombian goalkeeper David Ospina will constitute the full extent of Arsenal’s incoming transfer business this summer. Wenger would no doubt love to add Real Madrid midfielder Sami Khedira to his purchases, yet it is a deal that appears increasingly far away.

While Madrid are open to parting with Khedira after the signings of Toni Kroos and James Rodríguez, talks over a move to the Emirates are said to have broken down earlier in the month due to the player’s wage demands. Spanish publication Marca now reports that Bayern Munich are working to persuade the 27-year-old to see out the remaining year of his contract before joining them on a free transfer next summer.

Elsewhere, there are continued reports that Arsenal could further increase their attacking options by snapping up Shakhtar Donetsk’s Douglas Costa. The Brazilian’s future has been called into doubt after he refused to return to Ukraine, claiming he feared for his life due to the unrest in the country. Shakhtar responded by alleging it was merely an agent’s tactic to engineer a move.

Regardless, according to esteemed Italian reporter Gianluca di Marzio, Arsenal are very much keen on signing the 23-year-old. While Arsenal failed with a bid to sign Costa in 2011, he would not appear to fulfill a current need in the squad. The left-footed Costa operated mainly on the right wing last season. While he could feasibly play in any of the three attacking midfield slots, Arsenal are well stocked in all those positions, with Sanchez, Theo Walcott, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, Tomas Rosicky, Santi Cazorla, Mesut Özil, Serge Gnabry and Lukas Podolski all among the options.

Arsenal’s existent strength in this position also means speculation continuing to link the Gunners with a move for Lyon midfielder Clément Grenier is unlikely to turn into anything concrete. Wenger admitted to being a fan of the playmaker last summer and rumors over his future have resurfaced due to reports that he missed training with Lyon earlier this week. However, were Grenier to leave, Newcastle United would appear a far likelier destination.