Arsenal agree deal to sign Joel Campbell

Arsenal Football Club has agreed terms with Costa Rican side Deportivo Saprissa to sign teenage striker Joel Campbell.

The 19-year-old who was in the Costa Rica squad for the recent Copa América and the Under-20 World Cup, has chosen the Gunners despite strong interest from a host of top European clubs.

Born in the Costa Rican capital San José, Campbell is predominantly left-footed and has made six full international appearances, scoring twice. He scored on his debut in a 5-0 win over Cuba at this year’s CONCACAF Gold Cup, helping his side to the Quarter-Final of the competition.

Campbell added a second to his tally against Bolivia in the Copa América. He has also scored ten times in twelve appearances at Under-20 level, including two goals in three appearances in the Under-20 World Cup in Colombia.

Campbell has had two seasons in his native Primera División, where he played for Deportivo Saprissa and on loan at Puntarenas, making a total of eight league appearances.

Deportivo Saprissa is one of the top clubs in the CONCACAF region and has won the Costa Rican Premier League a record 29 times.

The transfer is subject to the completion of formal agreements and processes.

Arsenal Manager Arsène Wenger said: “Joel Campbell has already shown that he is a player with great ability, and has also performed well on the international stage at a young age. We look forward to the formalities of the transfer being completed and working with Joel when he joins us at Arsenal."

Lex wrote:Now that we've got him.......what do we do with him, exactly?

jayp wrote:Good question probably a loan...

Will he need a special talent work permit like Miyaichi and can we get more than one special talent work permit in a season?

srigooner wrote:OH good.. You made a separate thread for it.. I had put the same thing in transfers thread..

Umm.. subject to work permit, I think he'll be a good acquisition, especially if we switch to a 4-4-2..

For those who want to start an argument on another young signing for the future, be patient till Ali finishes the profile, read it, and then start

hitshot wrote:

srigooner wrote:OH good.. You made a separate thread for it.. I had put the same thing in transfers thread..

Umm.. subject to work permit, I think he'll be a good acquisition, especially if we switch to a 4-4-2..

For those who want to start an argument on another young signing for the future, be patient till Ali finishes the profile, read it, and then start

Sorry mate I forgot to check, my bad.

hitshot wrote:

srigooner wrote:OH good.. You made a separate thread for it.. I had put the same thing in transfers thread..

Umm.. subject to work permit, I think he'll be a good acquisition, especially if we switch to a 4-4-2..

For those who want to start an argument on another young signing for the future, be patient till Ali finishes the profile, read it, and then start

Sorry mate I forgot to check, my bad.

srigooner wrote:Okay quick question.. What are the "subject to the completion of formal agreements and processes" being referred to?

RealGunner wrote:nah its ok, this deserves its own thread


I think he is Bendtners replacement. A striker, which we were all asking wenger to sign. Plus he is better on the wings then Bendtner ever will be

GoonerJay29 wrote:Just thinking about what all our signings this summer bar Jenkinson have in common:

Gervinho - Pace
Chamberlain - Pace
Miyaichi (technically) - Pace
Campbell - Pace

Evidently, you can see the sort of future Wenger is building for.

RealGunner wrote:

looks fantastic in this video. Technique is superb, fast, skillful. Got a great right foot as well despite being a left footer.


sri, check ur PM pls

SUPERCARTTS wrote:

GoonerJay29 wrote:Just thinking about what all our signings this summer bar Jenkinson have in common:

Gervinho - Pace
Chamberlain - Pace
Miyaichi (technically) - Pace
Campbell - Pace

Evidently, you can see the sort of future Wenger is building for.

Guys, does anyone see RVP characteristics in JC? Because I do. Eventual heir, maybe

JC has mad tekkers for his age. He has a way of looking unorthodox; but I'm convinced that it is his own form of tekkers. Honestly, I'd get rid of Vela now. JC looks like a frickin problem!

p.s. If you don't have tekkers, AW will surely install it in you!

GoonerJay29 wrote:Campbell does look like he has a bit of van Persie in him; in as much that, he's good on the ball and has a mean left foot. Probably has a tad more pace than ole' van Persie, though.

My only concern with him is if he'll adapt properly to new surroundings. South American kids don't seem to do too well over here mainly for this reason.