Reports have surfaced over the past days that have linked Joel Campbell with a loan move away from Arsenal. Clubs throughout Europe are looking to sign the Costa Rican international with Real Sociedad manager David Moyes eagerly keen.
Campbell signed for Arsenal in 2011 before being sent on loan to Lorient, Real Betis and Olympiacos in successive seasons. Manager, Arsene Wenger has insisted Campbell is still part of his plans for this season however the tricky forward has made only 10 appearances thus far, mostly coming off the bench.
Questions would be asked of Arsene Wenger if he allowed Joel Campbell to depart the club after already allowing Lukas Podolski to sign for Inter Milan on loan and seemingly allowing Yaya Sanago a move to Bordeaux.
A loan move would not make sense for Arsenal. The on-going pressure on star man Alexis Sanchez and niggling injuries to Danny Welbeck and so on means Joel Campbell still has a huge part to play in Arsenal’s season. The re-emergence of Theo Walcott is certainly a huge plus for the club however it is far too early to rush him into action after such a long time out with injury.
If Joel Campbell was allowed to depart on loan, it would leave Arsenal with only Theo Walcott, Olivier Giroud, Alexis Sanchez, Danny Welbeck and young Chuba Akpom as their main forwards. Arsenal’s season has been hampered with injuries which means the importance of depth is key in all areas of the squad.
I believe that Joel Campbell will not go out on loan and will continue to add much needed depth in this injury hampered team.