Everton are looking to offload Jonjoe Kenny (Getty Images)
According to Mail Online (h/t The Sun), Arsenal have shortlisted Everton defender Jonjoe Kenny in the list of summer targets.
Right-back Kenny is currently on a season-long loan at FC Schalke and has been earning some rave reviews after his impressive displays in the Bundesliga this season. His standout performances at the back for the German outfit have attracted the interests of Arsenal, who clearly need a shakeup in their defence if they wish to better their performance next season.
Poor displays at the back had seen Arsenal fall down the league table earlier in the season. However, new boss Mikel Arteta’s arrival in January stabilised them a little bit. Still, they seemed far from the side that they have always been.
Hence, strengthening the defence must be one of Arteta’s top priorities ahead of next season and the in-form Kenny has evolved into one of their top targets.
A Toffees academy graduate, Kenny found it difficult to break into the first-team setup, with the likes of veteran Seamus Coleman already in the side. He was mostly restricted to the bench despite making his debut in the 2015-16 season.
Moreover, the arrival of 2018 French World Cup winner Djibril Sidibe on loan last summer put him even further down the pecking order. This led to the 23-year-old search for new options in a bid to get more game time on the pitch. He soon earned himself a move to Germany that saw him become an instant hit there.
The young right-back has excelled during his stay there, establishing himself as a regular, scoring once and assisting thrice in the league. Meanwhile, Arsenal just have two right-backs in the squad – Spaniard Hector Bellerin and Englishman Calum Chambers (considering Cedric Soares is only on loan and is not even fit yet).
Though seasoned campaigner Bellerin is the obvious first-choice, he has looked far from his best after returning from a long injury lay off.
Chambers, on the other hand, has had fitness issues and recently tore his cruciate ligament. Given the current scenario, Arsenal’s pursuit of in-form Kenny makes perfect sense.
Arsenal’s instability at the back is an issue of concern and roping in Kenny seems like a wise decision. Moreover, he is still young and could develop even under Arteta’s guidance. Arsenal must sign Kenny once the let Cedric depart after his loan spell.
