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Why this youngster has a bright future ahead of him at Arsenal

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Last summer, Arsenal made the news on a consistent basis, as reports of the imminent departures of two of the clubs shining stars not only hit the media outlets, but it also gathered momentum in no time and the dreaded outcome which the Arsenal fans loathed finally came to pass. The enigmatic Spaniard Cesc Fabregas was shipped off back home to boyhood club Barcelona, while French international Samir Nasri took a train from Euston up north to join the blue half of Manchester. At that point, it was obvious that Arsene Wenger needed to beef up a squad many deemed inadequate to challenge for honours even before the two high-profile departures, and Wenger must have been in no illusions about this fact. Much was expected from Le Boss in respect to replacing these two key components in Nasri and Fabregas at the time, but Wenger chose first to buy some up and coming youngsters before eventually dipping into the transfer market on deadline day, making it one of the club’s busiest deadline days in recent memory.

Amongst the young prodigies, the shrewd Frenchman landed a certain Costa Rican export from Deportivo Saprissa. His name, Joel Campbell, born June 26th 1992.

Campbell is a left-footed forward who, at the same time of being acquired, was representing his country at the 2011 CONCACAF youth championship in Guatemala. Part of his exploits at the tournament saw him win the Golden Boot award, netting six goals in the process. His acquisition at the time seemed unneeded, as Arsenal desperately required midfielders who were creative in nature, not a player of Campbell’s calibre.

As with all foreign imports to the English league, the 19-year-old needed a work permit. Unfortunately for the Gunners, it was refused. As a result, Campbell was subsequently loaned out to FC Lorient and has since been plying his trade for the French side.

The soon to be 20-year-old Campbell is at a stage where some players are already a part of Wenger’s first-team squad. The talent of this young man is undoubted, but with the players in the Arsenal ranks with similar attributes, it is of interest to see how he will fare.

When Campbell’s tenure in Lorient ends at the end of this term, the Costa Rican will be faced with the option of either returning to his parent club, or extending his loan deal with the Ligue 1 outfit. With the former option, Joel will face competition, albeit a stiff one for playing time, contending with the likes of Robin van Persie, who is arguably our best player.

With news that Lukas Podolski on his way, chances of a starting shirt or even playing time becomes more reduced for the youngster.

Another man that will surely give Joel something to worry about is Mexican export and fellow loanee, Carlos Vela. Though Podolski’s arrival is yet to be confirmed, his arrival along with Vela, who is somewhat clamouring for a stay in Real Sociedad, will mean a direct competition for Campbell. I say this because they are all of similar qualities, with the exception of RVP of course. They are all left-footed, play in the same positions and all have pace and a knack for goals, while being able to create.

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5 comments

  • sam says:

    they all have future at arsenal. how many strikers do man city have? arsene wenger money saving philosophy gave arsenal fans small club mentality. campbell,vela,podolski are all welcome.playing just one striker all season is very destructive to the team and player. look now we are not scoring anymore because he’s tired and other players are out injured.
    wenger needs to change or leave

  • bc says:

    Campbell will not get his work permit this year. vela wants to leave.

  • Dom says:

    They are all much more welcome than chamackh and park. Will Campbell get a work permit this time around, I’m not sure. I don’t think it was arsene’s fault that we didn’t sign top players, gazidis was in charge of the deals and acquiring them, wenger gave the names. Gazidis took way to long, just look at how long it took to get gervinho and then it took all transfer window to be told no by Dortmund for gotze. The club seems to have learnt from last summer with the acquisition of podolski it looks like we are sorting out the deals early on. Many players are coming out saying arsenal have been in contact, this means they have also contacted their respected clubs. I believe we are in for a good summer people.

  • sam says:

    did vela tell you he wants to leave. he cannot speak against a club he’s contracted to and you are listening to the media false report.
    campbell already had 10 costarican caps and by the summer he will add more. anyway, i wonder how will arsene wenger accomodate 4 leftfoot strikers in one team. knowing wenger he can rule out the one who hasn’t signed for us and holding out for a bigger deal.vela and campbell are already arsenal players. it’ll be silly to disregard our current players in favour of podolski who has history of homesickness and might fail to settle outside germany. i personally prefer players who already signed for us. if podolski signs he will be good addition but i dont see him as a saviour like other people are thinking of him.just good addition to the squad.it will be silly to sell vela, at least extend his loan till xmas and see how prince pod will settle.

  • okethi says:

    Guys let be honest joel will have afuture at arsenal let hope he gets the work permit who is telling you that the lad is left footed joel right is as good as the left he has the physic skill try to look at his video against spain puyol will tell you

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