After a highly successful season on loan at West Ham, Carl Jenkinson was keen to return once it was known Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger was willing to send him out for a second year, reports the London Evening Standard.

"Being on loan can be a little strange because another club own you but I doubt if there's many loan players who have felt as comfortable and happy as I've been at West Ham," he says.

"I feel every bit a West Ham player, especially after last season. I was welcomed by everyone at the club, the fans. I love my time here and feel very connected to the club.

"As a footballer, you're going from year to year anyway, always proving yourself and you're on show all the time anyway — every game you play is an audition. I'm really happy to be back."

Jenkinson impressed despite England's group stage exit at the European Under-21s Championship. He has one senior cap — won against Sweden in 2012 — and wants more.

"I know it's not out of my reach and I will work my socks off this year because that's in my mind — to perform well for West Ham and get into that England squad," he says. "It's a big year for me, an important year. The boss wants us full-backs to go forward and contribute to the team at West Ham. He wants us to get forward in a dynamic and positive way. It's a big part of the way the team will play."

"I just want to knuckle down to my football," adds Jenkinson. "I want to make sure myself — and more importantly the club — have a strong season."