You have to be Jenk-ing! Arsenal offer Jenks for Debuchy

Ahead of Mathieu Debuchy’s expected move to Arsenal, the Gunners may offer young right back Carl Jenkinson in return, plus the reported fee, thought to be in the region of £8m, and add-ons.

It is thought that the French international, who has just arrived back in Europe after a successful World Cup, has indeed passed a medical, and Newcastle are looking for replacements. Ricardo van Rhijn, the talented youngster at Ajax, has been sounded out within scouting and executive circles at St James’ Park.

The Magpies are 6/4 to finish in the top 10 next season, though the consensus is that major surgery is needed on their squad, if they are to push any higher. Striker Loic Remy, who was on loan at Newcastle last season, looks unlikely to make his move permanent, with Everton rumoured to be interested in the QPR player.

They could turn, however, to Arsenal’s Costa Rica World Cup hero Joel Campbell, who Arsenal are understood to be willing to loan out, giving the 22-year-old valuable Premier League experience. It has not been confirmed yet whether this will be part of any deal involving Debuchy and Jenkinson.

Arsene Wenger’s apparent willingness to involve England cap Jenkinson in the deal could signify that he doesn’t think he could make the grade at the Emirates. Instead, he may be placing his faith in 19-year-old Spaniard Hector Bellerin, who has risen through the Gunners’ youth ranks, showing huge potential.

At 9/1 to win the Premier League this time around, north London club Arsenal are gaining momentum in the transfer window, with Barcelona attacker Alexis Sanchez thought to be close to signing for a fee in the region of £35m, following Debuchy through the door.

After Bacary Sagna left on a free transfer to Manchester City, the Gunners needed an experienced and quality campaigner, and it appears international boss Didier Deschamps prefers Debuchy over Sagna for France, as he showed at the World Cup.