As a result of injuries to Theo Walcott, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Alexis Sanchez, the Arsenal youngster Joel Campbell has been able to have a consistent run in the team for the first time since joining Arsenal back in the summer of 2011. After as many as four loan spells away from the Emirates, it really does seem as though the Costa Rican has finally established himself as a first-team player.
But reports have emerged claiming that the Gunners boss Arsene Wenger is plotting a move for the Celta Vigo striker Nolito, with a view to use Camplell as a make-weight to push the deal through. Now although suggestions of a swap deal being discussed are perhaps far-fetched at the moment, it must be noted that Celta’s interest in the Arsenal star is genuine, with the player previously having played in La Liga during loan spells at Villareal and Real Betis.
Now although it is unclear whether Arsenal want to sell him in the summer, I must say that in my opinion, Joel Campbell must be retained! While Arsenal do have an abundance of wide players in the squad, I do believe that he will not be surplus to requirements. Since returning to Arsenal, Campbell has made massive strides in terms of his development and hasn’t been discouraged by his numerous loan spells and lack of game-time in North London.
But having said that, it is unlikely that the 23-year-old will see a lot of action once Alexis Sanchez returns from his hamstring injury. But even so, Campbell has proved himself to be a very handy squad player and I believe he can be retained on those grounds. Surely, that would be the general tendency of a club towards a young player who knows he is not first-choice but is still willing to stay and fight for his place in the side.
Besides, Arsenal are bound to have injuries, with both Walcott and Chamberlain being relatively injury prone. So in my opinion, Joel Campbell should certainly remain at the Emirates beyond this season. The player has stepped up when the team needed him and I certainly hope to see him getting more opportunities in the future.
Anurag
Its only fair to say that joel campbell answered the call, when asked to step up towards the gunners cause, with some good performances!
I don’t get the thinking process of these so called Arsenal “fans”, Campbell has done a lot more than Ox and has only been playing half a season, yet people still want him out. He’s already shown to have the vision, skill and intelligence to play under Wenger and most importantly, he’s still young and has the mentality of a hard worker unlike any of our English attackers.
Abundance of wide players? Walcott plays central, welbeck is coming off long term injury, rosicky will be leaving, jack cant stay healthy and should backup in the middle of the park, gnabry hasnt played well at palace and ramsey is better centrallly.Other than sanchez and ox where is this abundance you speak of?
arsenal ll let go of some players at the end of the season nd campbell is nt one of those!…classic player on his day asap
noway should arsenal swap Campbel for Nolito and pay huge money on top. Campbel is a promising young talented player. he is getting more and more into English football and his work rate especially defensively has become much better. my guess is he will just become better
keep him
what will nolito offer you in england that campbell isnt offering you… how many spanish-born la liga players do u see settling quickly in EPL???
Goals?
Trades are as rare as hen’s teeth in football. Next we’ll be talking about adding a first round draft pick and future considerations.
how can arsene swap quality player like Campbell allowing rubbish english players like wacot and Chamberlain
So the writer thinks ox is ahead of Campbell in the first team. Well if first team appearance is based on just performance then ox is way behind jc