Arsene Wenger wants to keep Carl Jenkinson at Arsenal.

The right back has impressed during his loan spell at West Ham United, playing 33 times and establishing himself as a key member of Sam Allardyce’s side.

West Ham are reportedly interested in taking Jenkinson to Upton Park permanently but Wenger is keen for the England Under-21 defender to remain an Arsenal player.

"Carl is a young, very promising right back with top quality and he had a good year where he has really moved forward" Arsene Wenger

“I met Carl this week to speak about his future,” the manager said. “We will sit down together at the end of the season, but my target is to keep him here at the club.

“He has had a great season for me and he has moved forward and overall he has gained a lot of confidence. The decision I have to make is do I bring him back now or does he need one more year now to play in the Premier League. It is not decided yet.”

Jenkinson will face competition from Mathieu Debuchy, Hector Bellerin and Calum Chambers when he returns, and Wenger revealed he would be open to loaning the right back again next season.

“That’s what I have to decide at the end of the season,” he said. “He needs experience. Carl is a young, very promising right back with top quality and he had a good year where he has really moved forward. It’s important that he has a good chance to play if he comes back.”

Carl Jenkinson in action for West Ham United

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