Tag Archives: Joel Campbell

Transfer Notes: Bendtner, Lansbury, Campbell

  By jtom | 01/09/2011 - 8:09 AM | Joel Campbell, Transfer News
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Arsenal have sent Nicklas Bendtner on a season-long loan to Sunderland. Henri Lansbury will join West Ham on a loan deal. Lorient have signed Arsenal’s Joel Campbell (loan) and Gilles Sunu.

The big news is that Arsenal have signed Mikel Arteta and Yossi Benayoun, but let’s focus on some of the deadline day departures.

Sunderland signed Arsenal striker Nicklas Bendtner to a season-long loan deal in the last hour of the transfer window. Sunderland boss Steve Bruce had this to say about the move (from Sunderland’s official website): “I’ve had the privilege of working with Nicklas previously. I had him as an 18-year-old and he helped clinch promotion for Birmingham.

“He’s an outstanding talent and is a big, physical presence who will lead the line magnificently for us.”

Yes, but he thinks he is one of the best players in the world. He changed his shirt number to 52 because that is how many thousands of pounds he makes per week. Do not get too excited Sunderland fans. Bendtner can be a decent player on his day, but he has a fragile mind.

This move is good for Arsenal and Bendtner. The 23-year old striker needs playing time and he will not get it at the Emirates. With the arrival of Park Chu-young, Bendtner was set to get even less playing time. Plus, I would rather see Marouane Chamakh given another chance than Bendtner.

Henri Lansbury has gone from playing under Arsene Wenger to playing under Big Sam Allardyce. The 20-year old midfielder appeared in two Premier League matches for Arsenal this season, but now he is heading to West Ham.

Lansbury is not yet ready to play for Arsenal. He could become a good footballer, but he needs time to develop before he can play with the first team. Unfortunately, Arsene Wenger has been forced to use Lansbury and other young players in the squad because of injuries, suspension, and lack of squad depth.

Two Arsenal players are heading to French club Lorient. Costa Rican striker Joel Campbell will go on loan to Lorient after failing to get a work permit. Gilles Sunu, who was on loan at Lorient last season, will join the French club permanently.

Campbell signed with the Gunners earlier this month for a fee of £900,000. The 19-year old striker attracted interest from many of the top European clubs.

Sunu is a 20-year old forward who sat on the bench during Arsenal’s 8-2 loss to Manchester United. Arsenal have now rid themselves of three players who were on the bench on Sunday: Lansbury, Armand Traore (sold to QPR), and Sunu.

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Transfer rumours: Alex, Cahill, Campbell

  By jtom | 29/08/2011 - 8:07 AM | Transfer News
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Alex

Arsenal are ready to make a bid for Chelsea centre-back Alex. Tottenham have joined Arsenal in the fight to sign Gary Cahill. Owen Coyle will not sell his centre-back leave on the cheap. Striker Joel Campbell is likely to be sent out on loan.

Arsene Wenger will need to bring in players after Sunday’s 8-2 defeat at Old Trafford.

According to The Sun, Arsenal are ready to make a £10 million bid for Chelsea centre-half Alex. The 29-year old Brazilian has also attracted interest from Juventus. Arsenal would like to pay £7m for Alex, but Chelsea want £10m for him.

Alex scored that remarkable free kick against Arsenal last season when the Gunners lost 2-0 at Stamford Bridge. Otherwise, he has had an unremarkable Chelsea career. Alex has only made 29 appearances for Chelsea the last two seasons (also counting one match this season).

According to Daily Mail, Tottenham will make a bid for Bolton centre-half Gary Cahill. Spurs will attempt to hijack an Arsenal deal by offering £8m plus a player in exchange. The report says that the player would either Darren Bentley or Sebastien Bassong.

If Tottenham steal Gary Cahill from us byoffering up a mediocre player or paying a few extra million, then the Gunners will really be in a crisis.

Spurs are looking for a centre-back after getting crushed by Manchester City on Sunday by a score of 5-1. North London is really getting thrashed by Manchester.

Bolton manager Owen Coyle is not ready to let Cahill without a fight (or negotiations) (from Daily Mail): “I can tell you I won’t buckle. I have had a chat with Gary. He knows my opinion. We don’t have to be taking poor offers. If someone makes the right offer, then we can do business.”

Coyle could be refering to the reported £6m Arsenal bid. Wenger denied the report, saying the bid was larger.

According to The Sun, Arsenal’s newest signing, Joel Campbell, is set to go out on loan to PSV. Campbell failed to get a work permit, so he will probably not be playing at the Emirates this season.

The Gunners signed the 19-year old Costa Rican striker earlier this month. Arsenal reportedly paid a fee of £900,000 for Campbell.

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Arsenal sign Joel Campbell

  By jtom | 13/08/2011 - 6:56 AM | Joel Campbell, Transfer News
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Arsenal added another teenager to their squad yesterday with the signing of striker Joel Campbell. Arsene Wenger is excited to see what the 19-year old Costa Rican can do.

Arsenal will reportedly pay a transfer fee of £1 million to Costa Rican club Saprissa for their young forward. Wenger has been keen to add young talent to his squad this summer. Arsenal have already signed 17-year winger Alex Oxlade Chamberlain and 19-year old right back Carl Jenkinson.

Wenger told Arsenal.com: “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.”

Campbell has been linked with moves to Manchester United and Real Madrid, but Costa Rican choose a move to the Emirates.

The 19-year old has six caps and two goals for Costa Rica. Both of Campbell’s international goals came during tournament play. The first goal was scored against Cuba in the 2011 CONCACAF Gold Cup, and Campbell netted his second in the 2011 Copa America in a match with Bolivia.

Many critics of Arsene Wenger will use this laugh at this signing. Wenger needs to buy some experienced players, but there is nothing wrong with signing a promising 19-year old for £1m. Arsene likes to buy young talent, and then teach the youngsters the Arsenal way.

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Transfer Rumours: Cahill, Bendtner, Campbell

  By jtom | 09/08/2011 - 7:50 AM | Transfer News
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Arsenal have renewed their interest in Bolton’s Gary Cahill. Nicklas Bendtner confirmed on Monday that he will leave the Gunners. Arsenal are extremely close to signing striker Joel Campbell.

According to Daily Mail, Arsene Wenger has shifted his focus back to Bolton centre-back Gary Cahill. Wenger is more determined than ever to bring in a centre-half after the injury to Thomas Vermaelen in Arsenal’s final pre-season match against Benfica.

Arsenal scout Steve Rowley was at Reebok Stadium to watch Gary Cahill in Bolton’s friendly against Levante last Friday. Arsene Wenger originally backed away from Cahill after hearing Bolton’s high asking price.

Cahill would be an excellent addition to our squad. He is younger (and better) than Everton centre-half Phil Jagielka. Wenger is looking to add strength to his defence before Arsenal’s opening match against Newcastle.

Nicklas Bendtner confirmed Monday what many had expectedfor weeks. The big striker will be leaving the Emirates. Here is what he told Sky Sports News, when asked whether he will leave Arsenal: “Yes. I want to play at a place where I’m happy and where I play every week. That’s the most important thing for every football player. Hopefully that will happen soon.

“I’ve done my part and now I’m just waiting. I can’t say anything about who I’ve been speaking to, but hopefully it will all be sorted out soon.

“I’ve done my part as good as I can, and it’s up to Arsenal now to sort it out. I can’t do anything more.”

Clubs interested in Bendtner include Borussia Dortmund, Stoke City, and several Portuguese clubs. Whoever prchase Bendtner will likely end up paying Arsenal around £9m. Hopefully, Wenger sells him quick so that he can use the money to strengthen key areas (centre-back!).

Joel Campbell could replace Bendtner at the Emirates. The 19-year old Costa Rican striker is expected to join Arsenal this week for a fee of £900,000.

Last month, reports said that Campbell had rejected a move to Arsenal. Apparently, the young striker just wanted to focus on an international tournament before making a decision on  his future.

After signing 17-year old Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, Wenger is likely to add another youngster. The Wenger critics will be angered to see yet another kid added to the squad.

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Transfer Rumours: Mata, Jagielka, Campbell

  By jtom | 30/07/2011 - 7:45 AM | Transfer News
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Tottenham have submitted a offer for Arsenal target Juan Mata, in an attempt to keep him away from the Emirates.  Arsenal are launching a new and improved bid for Everton’s Phil Jagielka.  Despite reports, Joel Campbell has not agreed to a move to Arsenal.

According to The Guardian, Spurs have submitted a £22m bid for Valencia winger Juan Mata.  Mata has been heavily linked with a move to the Emirates Stadium, but this Tottenham effort could sway Valencia and Mata towards White Hart Lane. 

Arsene Wenger has not yet made a formal offer for the 23-year old Spanish star.  The boss seems to be waiting on the Cesc Fabregas saga to make a decision.  £22m is more than what Arsenal are expected to offer, but Mata would prefer a move to the Gunners where he can compete in the Champions League.

Mata’s contract says that Valencia must sell him to any club that offers more than €21m.  Tottenham’s offer exceeds that amount, so the decision will be Mata’s.  Will he decide to wait on Arsenal or head to Spurs?

Some media outlets are reporting that Arsene Wenger is considering signing Juan Mata and Phil Jagielka in a terrific double swoop. 

According to Daily Mail and other sources, the Gunners are ready to make a fresh offer for the Eveton centre-back.  Wenger is willing to pay £15m for Jagielka but will try to secure the England international for £12m first according to Goal.com.  David Moyes is likely to reject this bid, just as he rejected the last bid of £10m that was submitted by Arsenal.

Everton rate Jagielka at £18m.  Yes, this price is far too high for the 28-year old centre-half.  Wenger should focus his efforts on Blackburn defender Christopher Samba, who will be a better help to the club and will come at a cheaper price.

Arsene Wenger clarified some of his transfer policy for this summer yesterday:  “Our business will be done sooner rather than later but it is difficult to speak about any individual player because that makes things difficult.  I cannot complain about other clubs talking about our players and then do the same.

“I like the player [Mata], but that does not mean we will buy him.  The other player [Jagielka] is under contract at Everton.  If we want to buy a player, we need first the agreement of their club.”

At least Wenger is acknowledging that he likes Juan Mata.  That is about the most anyone is ever going to get out of the boss.  Arsene will not break his own rules and talk extensively and confidently about players at other clubs.  That is just not the way he does business.

Yesterday morning, there were reports from Costa Rica that said Joel Campbell had signed with Arsenal.  The 19-year old striker had been linked with Arsenal in the past, and may yet join the Gunners.  The Costa Rican’s agent told ESPNsoccernet that there is “nothing official” about those reports.

Campbell currently plays in Costa Rica for Samprissa.  The 19-year old is a budding star who has attracted interest from English and Italian clubs.  Campbell made a splash playing for his country and is now poised for a move to Europe.

Let’s close with some comments that were made by Wenger yesterday regarding his transfer policy: 

“The only clubs who buy at the moment in Europe are ones who buy with money which is not generated by our industry. There are two categories of club – those who travel with sweat and those who travel with petrol. We are those who travel with sweat.”

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Campbell snubs Arsenal for now

  By jtom | 19/07/2011 - 7:50 PM | Transfer News
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Joel Campbell has decided to decline Arsenal’s offer for now.  The 19-year old Costa Rican striker has impressed many teams with his recently international play.  The president of Campbell’s current club, Saprissa, told this to La Nacion:

“It is a disappointment for football, for Saprissa and for me that they have decided not to take up an offer from as serious and first-class people as Arsenal.  I hope it works out for Joel.

“I assume his father thinks that things will get better and that’s why he made this decision, but hey, there’s always a risk. It’s a shame that Costa Rican football could not have a player at Arsenal at this time.”

According to some reports, an offer from Manchester United halted the Arsenal deal.  According to Campbell’s father, a decision has not yet been made:

“We already decided not to sign anything yet.  We are going to wait until the Under-20 World Cup finishes, so that Joel can go and play with calm and without pressure, then we will see what happens.”

Mixed signals coming from Costa Rica.  The president of the club believes that Campbell has rejected the Arsenal offer.  The  father says that a decision has not been made while Campbell is focusing on the tournament at hand.  I am more inclined to believe the father because he is closer to his son than the club president.

Also, remember that something can be lost in translation. 

What was just about a done deal has become muddled with confusion.  Either another club has an offer for Campbell, or the 19-year old just wants to wait until after the tournament to make a decision on his future.  We will just have to wait and see.

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Transfer News: Campbell, Jagielka, Bendtner

  By jtom | 18/07/2011 - 7:22 AM | Transfer News
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Arsenal have agreed in to sign Costa Rican star Joel Campbell.  Phil Jagielka has reportedly snubbed Arsenal to stay at Everton.  Everton could sign Nicklas Bendtner on loan.

Arsenal have made an agreement in principle to sign Costa Rican striker Joel Campbell.  Campbell currently plays for Costa Rican side C.D. Saprissa.  The president of Samprissa, Juan Roja, had this about to say to ADN Radio: 

“There is an agreement in principle already (with Arsenal), although everything is now on hold for Joel Campbell and his family to accept the transfer.

“No doubt, this would be an historical deal for the country, for Saprissa and for the player.  We are happy for him because this is a unique opportunity, one to which you cannot say no, and we cannot refuse an offer like this.”

Who is Joel Campbell?  He is a 19-year old striker who has recently caught on with Costa Rica.  Campbell has six caps for Costa Rica and two goals.  He scored the first against Cuba in the CONCACAF Gold Cup last month.  Earlier this month, Campbell scored his second against Bolivia in the Copa America.

According to Goal.com, Arsenal will pay £930,000 for Campbell, who has been on the radar of the top European clubs for a while.  He made nine appearances for the U-20 Costa Rican team and scored eight times.  The deal will be completed after personal terms and working permits are sorted out.

According to The Independent, Phil Jagielka would rather stay at Everton than move to the Emirates.  Wenger favours Jagielka over some of the other centre-backs that are linked with a move to Arsenal.  But the 28-year old no longer wants to play for Arsenal, as he did last summer.

Everton want between £15m-£20m for the England international.  He is not worth that kind of cash.  Gary Cahill or Christopher Samba would be better options.  Jagielka does not really impress me, and he is nearing the end of his peak effectiveness.

Samba is the perfect centre-half for us.  He is big, physical, and a leader.  Samba is also an excellent shot-blocker.  Cahill, my second choice, would cost just as much as Jagielka but the Bolton man is three years younger.

According to Sky Sports, Everton are looking to bring in Nicklas Bendtner on a loan deal.  The Toffees are looking for a more goals, and David Moyes believes that Bendtner can succeed at Goodison Park.

It will be interesting to see what Bendtner can accomplish as a starter in the Premier League.  This is not a done deal yet, but I have a feeling Wenger will send Bendtner on loan.  Arsene is not ready to give up on the Danish striker.

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