A lot of the Arsenal transfer talk during the summer, especially during the World Cup finals in Brazil, was about Joel Campbell and whether the young Costa Rica forward would finally get his chance to play for Arsenal after signing for the club in 2011 but spending the next three seasons at various clubs on loan.
His performances last season and then in Brazil were pretty impressive and there seemed to be no shortage of interest in him from other clubs, but the 22-year old seemed determined to play for the Gunners and I remember his agent Joaquim Batica declaring that he was not interested in going elsewhere and was determined to fight for his place.
And all that seemed to have convinced the boss because, even though he has not started a game for us yet this season, he has made two appearances and Wenger stated that he would not be going anywhere during the transfer window. So it is a little surprising, to say the least, to read in Metro that Campbell is unhappy that a late bid from Benfica was turned down, with the agent moaning about Wenger’s decision.
Batica told the Portuguese press, “Benfica fought until the last minute to sign Campbell but the move didn’t happen because, in the last hour, Arsenal decided to keep him.
“Wenger says he did not want to sell him. But if he is not in his plans, then why not allow him to leave?”
Well you would have to assume that Campbell is in his plans for Arsenal, although I doubt that the agent’s criticism will help, especially if it does represent the player’s feelings. That is not the way to get around Wenger. We have all been baffled at times by the Prof’s use, or lack of use, of some players, but he is the man who decides and ultimately takes the blame or credit for our results.
Maybe he doesn’t feel Campbell is ready to start a Premier League game yet and If I was Campbell, I would get my head down, work hard inb training and ask my agent to keep his mouth shut. What do you guys think?