Wenger signs Finnish Under-21 defender

Posted Thursday, June 09, 2011 by YAHOO Sport

Highly-rated Finnish Under-21 defender Carl Jenkinson became Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger's first signing of the close season on Wedneday when he joined from League One side Charlton for an undisclosed fee.

The 19-year-old - born in England to a Finnish mother - mostly plays at fullback but can also fill in at centreback which he has done with Charlton since making his first team debut late last year.

"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, who supported Arsenal as a boy.

"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."

Charlton manager Chris Powell said that Jenkinson had the potential to become a great fullback.

"I want to put on record how much I admire Carl as a player and, more importantly, as a young man," said Powell.

"I wish him well on behalf of all the staff and players because it's a dream move for him.

"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."

Jenkinson will be one of several new arrivals at Arsenal this summer as Wenger has vowed an overhaul of the squad after a sixth successive campaign without a trophy.