Carl Jenkinson says Arsenal can always count on him after signing new deal

Arsenal defender Carl Jenkinson says the club can always count on his commitment after penning a new long-term deal at Emirates Stadium this week.

Progress

Only 18 months ago Jenkinson was playing for Charlton, then of League One, and the youngster is happy with how his career has developed. "I'm obviously really pleased with my progress over the past 18 months," he said. "Of course there have been some challenging times along the way, and I've had to work really hard, but I'm pleased with where I am now and I'm so happy with the new contract. "Now I just need to take every day as it comes, working and training hard." Jenkinson believes having five of their young British players commit can only be a good thing for Arsenal. "A big thing has been made of the fact that we're all British boys, and obviously that's great," said Jenkinson. "The guys who signed at the same time as me are all excellent young players and close friends of mine. "I'm delighted not just for myself but for everyone else - it's great for the club as a whole, as well as for the players. We want to be playing with the best and believe we can do that here."