After enduring a frustrating campaign last season, both at Arsenal and later at Villarreal (on loan), it seems like Joel Campbell’s future is almost over at the London club.
The Costa Rica winger/ forward joined Arsenal in 2011 but he has only managed four league appearances so far, spending time mainly on loan with various clubs like Real Betis, Olympiacos and Villarreal.
Campbell was wanted by Portugal club Benfica last summer, but Arsene Wenger wanted to give him one more chance to showcase his talent at the London club. He failed miserably, managing only 39 minutes of action for the Gunners.
During the January transfer window, Campbell was sent on loan to Villarreal where he got enough game time, but managed only one goal during his spell.
In an interview with Portugal newspaper A Bola, Campbell’s father said Benfica could be a good option for his son’s development at the moment.
“I don’t know if they talked to Arsenal, but I think Benfica could be the right club for Campbell to show his worth,” he said.
“It’s a good team, which gives young players a lot of opportunities. They’re always in the Champions League and won their league 2 years in a row.”
“It’s an important club, where he can play and grow as a player and eventually return to a club like Arsenal, a club from one of the top leagues.”
“For now Joel has to show up at Arsenal. Wenger will then decide whether to sell him. Last summer he was about to sign with Benfica but Wenger decided he wanted to keep him in the end… and then he signed Welbeck.”
Arsenal are hoping to get a €5-6 million fee for Campbell. La Liga club Villarreal have already informed Arsenal that they won’t meet the valuation. Real Sociedad have declared interest too. It seems likely that Campbell won’t continue with Arsenal and Benfica could be his future club in the summer.
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