Benfica are NOT interested in signing Joel Campbell from Arsenal this summer, says club president Luis Filipe Vieira.
A couple of weeks ago it was suggested the 23-year-old forward was set to join Benfica on a season-long loan after returning from a six-month spell in the second half of last season with Villarreal.
Campbell has made just four appearances for the Gunners since signing for them four years ago and has spent time out on loan with Lorient, Betis, Olympiacos and lately Villarreal.
The forward does not seem to be in Arsene Wenger’s first-team plans this season and the Frenchman may look to sell him, even though he believes he has potential.
But it appears Campbell will have to wait for a new club to come in for him this summer as Vieira ruled his side out of the running.
He told Portuguese newspaper A Bola:
‘Anderlecht striker Aleksandar Mitrovic is not on our radar as a target for next season.
‘The same can be said for the other players that are repeatedly associated with Benfica, Joel Campbell.
‘I’m sure someone is very interested, but he is not in our plans.’
I’m sure another team will make their interest known in Campbell before the transfer window closes as I don’t see him featuring much for us this season – especially if Wenger brings in another forward this summer.
