This is not to say that these three players will be the only competition for Campbell. Since we play with one striker out on top, he might stand a better chance of playing in a wide position, an area already bubbling with talent. Seeking a wide role will mean competition with Gervinho, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, Theo Walcott, Andrey Arshavin (if he returns), Ryo Miyaichi (if he returns as well), Yossi Benayoun (if he resigns) and not forgetting young Benik Afobe.
Though like many youngsters, Campbell may get more playing time in the minor cup competitions, and depending on how far the team progresses, the young forward might stay with the Gunners rather than go out on loan again, as with Miyaichi, if the team fails to go far in the tournaments. As for Premier League, it will be very tough getting in amongst the starters or even a bench role, as the players mentioned above, including the first three mentioned who possess similar qualities, will make it a Herculean task for him to be selected.
As for his long term future, Joel has the quality to succeed, as he has been in fine form for his senior national side since breaking into the first-team. He has scored four goals since moving up the ranks and found the back of the net in a 2-2 draw against Spain a month or so a go in a friendly. The 5’10’’ youth star has also notched up impressive performances for Lorient, netting three goals so far.
His short-term future with Wenger’s side looks bleak, as competition for places is immense. However, with mouth opening displays beyond reasonable doubt, we can be having a player who will force Wenger’s hand. But one must also consider the fact that Le Boss is a man who sticks religiously to his pecking order, even if one lower on the list seems to be performing better than another higher up when given the chance.
Over the longer-term though, Joel’s qualities will speak for him and he will definitely get amongst the games. However, having the best of this talented young man will require patience from him, Wenger and the fans, as he is still tender in age and has a lot to learn, alongside having senior members of the squad to contend with.
To wrap things up, I see a player, whom if he gets a work permit for next season, starring in the minor cup competitions and going back out on loan if Arsenal crash out early on. His stay can also be aided with the sale of Arshavin and Vela and with Yossi likely to return to Chelsea, it will mean less competition, thus more opportunities. On his long-term future, his ability will speak for himself.
This kid certainly has all the tools to become a big player for the club in the future.
Watch this space.
Like what you read? Then follow me on Twitter – http://twitter.com/akinlawona6
Visit and Join our Facebook page, click HERE to do so.
Gunnersphere is currently looking for new writers to join the squad. Contact via twitter or at Gunnersphere@snack-media.com for further details.
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
Campbell will not get his work permit this year. vela wants to leave.
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.
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.
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