Much of the discussion from fans of the Premier League and fans of Arsenal Football Club in particular centred around Costa Rican Gooner Joel Campbell this week. In anticipation to his inclusion in the starting-eleven for Olympiakos’ game against Man Utd in the Champions League on Tuesday night, there was an unusual amount of Gooners with a keen eye on the clash between the reigning Greek champions & the out-of-sorts Premier League champs, Manchester United. The chance to have a good look at Campbell, in Europe’s premier and most prestigious tournament less, against Premier League opposition, was an interesting prospect.
For anyone who didn’t catch the game or highlights packages, the 21-year-old scored a brilliant second goal for Olympiakos to condemn an abject and desolate Manchester United outfit to a 2-0 defeat. By virtue of that, not only did he do his reputation no harm, but naturally he succeeded in endearing himself to Arsenal fans around the globe.
After spells on loan in France, Spain and now Greece (due to British working regulations/red tape), Campbell said yesterday that it is his intention to return to Arsenal this summer. The lad has a bit of something ‘different’ about him, compared to the forwards currently at Wenger’s disposal. Combining pace, a desire to make runs down the flanks and an impressive knack to hit a ball accurately from distance, Campbell has more than a trick or two in his locker. He may well be a diamond in the rough and there are few coaches with a better or more impressive track-record in polishing rough diamonds than Monsieur Wenger.
Campbell was quoted as saying: “As soon as Arsenal came, I wanted to join them and I believe I am ready to play for Arsenal next season. I know I have the capacity to play there. I am only waiting for the opportunity. With hard work I know I can get there. (Manchester) United showed an interest in me when I was moving to Europe but I have been an Arsenal fan since I was a child and that’s why I chose them.”
In a post-match interview after the Manchester United game, Campbell was asked if his intention was to ‘go back’ to Arsenal this summer, the Costa Rican replied emphatically that this is very much his desire!
What might be a point of interest, is the suggestion that Olympiakos have the right to exercise a clause that allows the Greek Champions to sign Campbell for £8 million at the end of the loan-deal. There seems some confusion over the validity of these claims. Based of the Costa Ricans recent exploits against Premier League rivals, Arsenal fans will no doubt hope that Olympiacos choose not to activate such a clause, that is indeed if it even exists.
Whilst Campbell has yet to officially kick a ball in anger for his English employers, many feel that now, after a mini-tour of Europe that has included spells at Lorient, Real Betis and now Olympiacos, that the natural progression for the players career is to make the heady step-up to the Premier League and test his mettle on the world’s most popular and arguably most competitive league.
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