Joel Campbell has failed to impress in an Arsenal shirt, and really hasn’t lived up to the expectations piled on him after his superb World Cup showing. He therefore looks set for an Arsenal exit in January, with the Daily Star suggesting a move to Turkey is on the cards.
It was difficult to see how Campbell would even get a look in at the start of the campaign, with the Costa Rican way down the pecking order with regards to the senior squad. Our usual glut of injuries gifted him a chance in the first team though, with the 23-year-old given the opportunity to impress with an extended run in the team.
He’s looked average at best however, and is sure to be dropped straight back to the bench as soon as any one of our injured stars return.
With the report suggesting Galatasaray and Fenerbahce are battling it out for his signature, it wouldn’t be all that surprising to see him head for the exit this January. He just doesn’t appear to be of the calibre required to play for Arsenal, and it would seem best for both parties if he were to be sold.
There is a caveat, and his exit should hinge on finding a replacement. We’ve seen what injuries can do to our squad, so Arsene Wenger must make sure he brings another wide player to the club before letting Campbell move abroad.
The Daily Star’s report suggests that he’ll be a free agent next summer, meaning he is able to talk freely with clubs abroad this January. It’s unclear whether this is true or where they are getting their information, as when Campbell signed a new contract last Janaury (via IBT), the length of his deal was kept a secret.
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It would be a shame to lose him for free after hanging onto him for so long, so it seems like now is the best time to cash in.
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Campbell recently claimed he had no intention of leaving Arsenal, and was determined to stay and fight for his place.
“No [I don’t want to move]. I’m here at Arsenal, I am very happy. I keep fighting for my dream and I think I still have a long-term future here,” he told IBT.
“Obviously a player always wants to play but in a team which has so many quality players like Arsenal, you need to be patient and taking the chance when it arrives.”
But he may have to accept that his Arsenal “dream” is over, and things may be out of his hands.
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