Joel Campbell regrets not leaving Arsenal when he had the chance this summer, according to reports in Turkey.
Arsenal’s opponents on Wednesday night are Galatasaray, one of many teams who were linked with a move for Campbell in the summer.
Galatasaray president Aysal told press: “Yes, I wanted him for our team but Arsene Wenger has said he wanted to keep him in the squad and benefit from having him this season,”
Last week the Costa Rican’s agent criticised Arsene for not letting his client go: “Wenger says he did not want to sell him. But if he is not in his plans, then why not allow him to leave?,”
Just before the window closed, Arsene Wenger said himself: “We’ve had lots of enquiries and turned them down. There have been plenty of clubs interested, but I don’t know how many, Once I say to my assistant he won’t go out on loan, even if people ask about him, my assistant doesn’t even tell me. When I say no it’s no.”
Joel Campbell has only been handed one start this season and that came in the League Cup loss to Southampton. The Costa Rican failed to impress in that fixture and is unlikely to be rewarded with more playing time this season.
He has been repeatedly left out of the Arsenal squad and has only played 22 minutes of Premier League football. Despite his obvious quality, it seems he doesn’t fit into the Arsenal system. Arsene Wenger may look to move him on in January.