Arsenal Shouldn’t Let Joel Campbell Go Just Yet

If you want to talk about slow starts at Arsenal, not even Mesut Ozil or Danny Welbeck can shake a stick at Joel Campbell. Joel Campbell was signed in 2011 but didn’t receive his work permit until 2013. Throughout those two years, he was understandably sent out on loan until the time came that he was able to legally play for Arsenal.

More from Pain in the Arsenal

When the work permit finally did come, he was sent out on loan again. And then again. It was at the Greek Squad Olympiacos that Campbell found a lot of success.

In the 2014 World Cup, Joel Campbell was a Costa Rican hero to heap on to the experience he got in Greece. Among the unlikely run of the small island nation, Joel Campbell played a very good striker and proved his talent to the world. Clearly it was now his time to make his impact on Arsenal. He was twenty two years old and ahead of his time.

However, after just a few cameo appearances for the Arsenal senior squad, Arsene Wenger again opted to send Joel Campbell out on loan, this time to Villareal.

Now that it looks to all potential suitors that Joel Campbell is out of favor at Arsenal (if he was ever in favor), the vultures are swarming like mad. Villareal, Sporting CP and Real Sociedad are all vying for the youngster, but the Metro reports that Sociedad are winning the race.

But would it be wise for Arsenal to sell Joel Campbell after giving him so little time to prove what he can do?

More from Arsenal News

I’m of the opinion that Arsene Wenger needs to hang onto the versatile forward. Arsenal are going to be involved in multiple competitions every year and he could very well use Joel Campbell in the FA Cup and the League Cup. The fact that he can play any forward position makes his value multiply because he can be deployed in so many different areas. He may play a premium position at Arsenal, but he also has a premium skill set that we’ve seen put on display every he’s played – except for Arsenal. Why? Because he’s never been given a proper chance.

Maybe an extended run with the senior team is all he needs. He’s always been away from the team and he’s never been able to really sink into the Arsenal system and feel what it’s all about. This kid has talent, everyone has seen it, Arsene Wenger just has to tap into it and put it to work for Arsenal, something hes very capable of doing.

All this talk about if Arsenal should sign another winger can be answered with Joel Campbell. Hopefully Arsene Wenger’s frugality comes through and he gives the Costa Rican another chance at success in the Premier League.

Next: How ambitious is Arsene Wenger?