Charlton Athletic youngster Carl Jenkinson has signed for Arsenal.
The 19 year-old defender a graduate of the Addicks youth programme is a current Finland U21 International.
The youngster who can operate at right or left back as well as centre-half made his debut for Charlton last December in the Johnstone’s Paint Trophy. He went on to make a further 8 appearances all in the League.
“I hope supporters will understand why I can’t turn down such an opportunity, but Charlton will always have a place in my heart,” said Jenkinson.
“I will always be in Charlton’s debt for the training they have given me since a young age.”
“I’m grateful to the club’s academy and all the coaching staff, so I’m delighted the two clubs have come to an agreement.”
Jenkinson is the Gunners’ first summer acquisition following their sixth successive season without a trophy and Charlton boss Chris Powell believes the youngster fits with Arsene Wenger’s policy of buying for the future.
“I’m sure under the guidance of Arsene and his team, he could blossom into a wonderful player,” said Powell.
“I want to put on record how much I admire Carl as a player and, more importantly, as a young man.”
“I wish him well on behalf of all the staff and players because it’s a dream move for him.”
He added:
“If he grows into the right-back we all feel he could be, we could be talking about a player playing at the highest level for a long time.”
