Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has been widely criticized for ignoring calls to sign a new striker to provide back-up to Olivier Giroud this season. Although the Gunners have been consistently proving their doubters wrong, there are fears that the London side’s campaign could crumble due to the lack of fire power upfront.
In Wenger’s defence though, the Frenchman may have resisted the temptation to make a splash for a new striker, identifying the fact that a big-name arrival could prove to have been detrimental to the progress of the likes of Yaya Sanogo, Benik Afobe and Joel Campbell’s futures at the club.
However, in news which will certainly not please the Arsenal faithful, it is being reported that one of the Gunners’ promising prospect of the future in Joel Campbell, is itching for a move away from the club.
The Costa Rican is currently on-loan at Olympiacos and has made quite an impression, playing a huge role in the club’s comfortable lead at the top of the Greek Super League by a healthy 17 points. The 21-year old has scored 7 goals and provided 10 assists in 21 appearances and the young man has certainly been one of the stars of the Greek top-flight this season.
With Campbell doing so well at Olympiacos, the Greek side are understandably interested in turning his loan deal into a permanent one and according the player’s agent, the 21-year old is also keen on extending his stay at the club.
Campbell’s agent was speaking about his client’s future and said, “It is a matter between the two clubs. However, from the beginning it was difficult, since Joel belongs to a big club like Arsenal and this, as you know, makes things more complicated.”
“It’s a critical year for Campbell. There is also the World Cup ahead. But, as I said, he is happy in Greece and Olympiakos. He would not be happy to be in one of the top leagues but to stay on the bench”.
A price of around £7 million has been quoted for the striker.
Campbell joined Arsenal from Deportivo Saprissa in 2011, but due to the striker not being able to earn a work-permit initially, the Gunners allowed him to spend time on loan at Lorient and then Real Betis. The 21-year old would have been eligible to play for Arsenal this season, but Wenger once again elected to ship him off on loan to Olympiacos.
Campbell’s agent’s admission would certainly not have been welcomed by Wenger, considering the striker is regarded very highly at the club. Having lost a fine striker in Carlos Vela due to the inability to provide the Mexican regular first team football, Campbell could be another prospect that could slip away from Wenger’s grasp.
What Do You Think? Should Arsenal keep hold of Campbell against his wishes OR Offload him, as the club may not be able to provide him regular first team football when he returns?
