Wenger Speaks On His Transfer Plan For £16m World Cup Quarter Finalist

ARSENAL boss Arsene Wenger believes wantaway forward Joel Campbell is still part of his plans for the future despite speculation linking him with a move away from the club this Winter.

He said “Sanogo will go out on loan. My option is preferably in England.” But I want Joel Campbell for the future to stay here.”

Campbell was tipped to play a leading role for Arsenal this season after performing outstandingly well for Costa Rica at the summer’s World Cup in Brazil. But surprisingly, the 22-year-old has made only four appearances in the league this season, and all of them have come as a substitute.

The Gunners signed Campbell in 2011 but Wenger sent him on loan to Lorient, Real Betis and Olympiakos in three consecutive seasons in order to help him continue his development and also due to the fact that the petite sign striker could not get a work permit to enable him play for Arsenal. After strings of impressive displays for his loaned clubs and his country at the last FIFA world cup, Wenger took him back to the north London club but Campbell has failed to start a Premier League game during the first part of the campaign which has led to rumours linking him with other clubs, Spanish duo Villarreal and Real Sociedad in particular, keen for the players signature.

Last summer, there was plenty of excitement about Campbell’s return to Arsenal. The striker had spent the last three seasons out on loan, building up enough international caps to qualify for a British work permit.

However, So far, it’s proved something of a struggle. The warning signs began as early as the Community Shield, when he was given just seven minutes to shine as a substitute for Aaron Ramsey. He was since been an unused substitute for as many games as possible.

Sitting on the bench is doing the Costa Rican no good at this point in his career, having shown he’s a capable operator at the highest level and wanting to play consistently to maximise his potential.

Meanwhile, other reports claim that the North London side will accept Campbell’s exit as a loan deal should the forward sign a contract renewal at the Emirates Stadium, as his current contract is due to expire in 2016.