Nationality: Costa Rica
Position: Winger
Age: 23
Height: 5ft 10″
Season Predictions:
Due to Danny Welbeck’s sudden injury, sidelining him for 4 months, the Costa Rican international is likely to take a main role in the Arsenal squad. After joining the club in 2011, the Campbell went on loan multiple times to Spanish,French and German teams. After the 2014 World Cup, the 23-year-old lead Costa Rica to a high finish in the tournament, which saw many of his teammates make big money moves to European teams, such as Keylor Navas to Real Madrid. Joel Campbell had a crucial role in his national teams success, which saw his work permit been granted, and allowing him to join the North London club for the first time since joining the club.
During his first few games at the Emirates Cup, he absolutely stole the show, made a big impact in a 5-1 win against Benfica. At this point, Arsenal fans were hoping that he would stay, with talks of AC Milan being interested in the young player. Fortunately, Arsenal kept hold of the player, but unfortunately, he failed to break into the first team for longer than a few games, as he failed to rekindle his form from the World Cup. Prior to this transfer window, Joel Campbell looked set to leave the club, with multiple clubs in Italy heavily linked with a move for the young player. The injury to Welbeck has forced the Costa Rican International to stay Arsenal, and has been included in the Champions league and Premier League squad lists.
Unless we have a serious crisis issue, or Wenger decides to play him up front, I can only see Campbell playing in a much similar role to Calum Chambers, as he will play if no one is available or he will play during a cup game. I think it’s a matter of time for Joel, as after a few impressive performances he could quite easily work his way in to the Arsenal team.
Player Objectives:
As mentioned before, the Costa Rican international has been on loan multiple times, so he will want to establish himself in North London as soon as possible. Unfortunately, the likes of Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain are coming to the side fully fit and raring to go for the new season, which could really cause Joe Campbell issues in breaking into the first team. For Player Objectives, Joel should try and break into the Arsenal first team, whether that be as a lone striker, to which he has played at with Costa Rica, or attempt to break in at right midfield, with the likes of Theo Walcott, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, Aaron Ramsey and possibly Alexis Sanchez all competing for this role. I feel that either the striking role or the right midfield role could suit him very well. He’ll have to wait his turn, and take his chance when he gets it.
Best Attributes:
Strength
Acceleration
Clinical
Worst Attributes:
Passing
Teamwork
Overall Rating: 6.5/10
Current Value: £5million
Potential Value: £15million