Arsenal starlet set for Greece stay?

Joel Campbell could make his move to Olympiacos permanent in the summer, according to the player’s representatives.

Arsenal signed the 20-year-old striker from Costa Rica club Saprissa in 2011, but has yet to feature for Arsene Wenger’s side due to work permit issues.

The Costa Rica international has since been loaned out to Lorient and then Real Betis and is currently plying his trade in Greece for Olympiacos, where he has impressed. So much so that reports in Greece claim the Piraeus-based club want to make Campbell’s temporary stay a permanent one, with club officials in England discussing a potential £7 million summer deal.

And Campbell’s representatives, Ungeklart – who also represent the likes of Edinson Cavani, Eden Hazard, Yaya Toure and many more, have confirmed that talks are underway, and also admit their client would not be interested in going back to Arsenal unless he’s going to feature regularly:

‘Joel’s future is a matter between the two clubs.

‘It was difficult from the beginning with Joel belonging to a big club like Arsenal, but it’s a critical year for him. He is happy in Greece and with Olympiacos.

‘Going back to Arsenal? He would not be happy sitting on the bench – even in a top leave.’

Campbell has netted seven goals in 23 appearances so far this season for Olympiacos, but, by the looks of it, the youngster looks set for the Arsenal exit door without ever featuring for the club.

It would be a shame to see him sold as Campbell has got the ability and potential to become a future star for our club.

But it seems the youngster has grown impatient and simply wants to play football week in, week out, which is fair enough I guess. Wenger clearly doesn’t see him as a regular and although he is a hot prospect for the future, if he decides to stay put, Campbell will have to wait for his chance which it doesn’t look like he’s prepared to do.

It would be good to see him stay and fight for a place in the side (if his work permit issues are finally sorted of course) but if he decides to call it a day then good luck to him.