Since the Gunner’s new addition to their striking unit, Alexis Sanchez, has arrived at the Emirates, there has been a lot of talk about what the future of Joel Campbell will be. The Costa Rican international impressed at this summer’s World Cup in Brazil, but many are still unsure about what his place at Arsenal will look like this season, if he remains there at all.
Campbell was picked up by the Gunner’s during the 2011 summer transfer window, but has yet to make an appearance in North London. Since joining Arsenal, he has played, on loan, at Lorient, Real Betis, and Olympiacos. There are talks again of sending the striker off on loan, or even selling him, before the start of the EPL season.
Coming off of the recent World Cup, Campbell has been highly sought out by other clubs after a string of solid performances at the tournament. The Costa Rican has been linked with moves to AC Milan, and most recently, West Ham United, although these are merely rumors at this point.
After coming through with a number of strong showings in Brazil, Campbell’s confidence should presumably be better than ever. If Wenger were to send the striker off on his fourth loan in four seasons at the club, the move would undoubtedly shake the young striker’s confidence, and cause him to question his future at the club.
Selling Campbell away could also be a move that proves detrimental to the Gunner’s. While he doesn’t have the same size as other strikers at the club, such as Olivier Giroud or Yaya Sanogo, Campbell possesses skills and intangibles that many others do not. He has shown ability to seek out, and execute instrumental runs, not only from a central position, but from the wings as well. The Costa Rican International has also displayed a high level of physicality on the pitch, allowing him to collect loose balls and muscle his way around defenders to create chances in the final third.
Joel Campbell has made clear his increasing maturity during both his recent stint at Olympiacos, scoring 11 goals last season, as well as at the World Cup this summer, where he provided a goal and an assist for the Ticos. At 22 years old, Campbell possesses skills and athleticism that will be essential to Arsenal up top this season.
While Arsene Wenger has many tough decisions ahead of him at the Emirates this season, he also has a relatively easy one in front of him. Joel Campbell is a young, talented striker that provides the assets that Arsenal need in attack, and all of the Gooners out there should be keeping their fingers crossed, hoping that Wenger makes the right decision in having Campbell stay right where he needs to be, in North London.
