Joel Campbell to Villarreal: Latest Loan Details, Comments and Reaction
Arsenal youngster Joel Campbell has been loaned out to Villarreal for the duration of the season, but the Gunners inked the striker to a new deal before letting him go.
Continue for updates.
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Arsenal Announce Campbell Loan, New Deal
Wednesday, Jan. 28
Arsenal announced Joel Campbell's loan deal on Wednesday, and noted that they signed him to a new, long-term deal on his way out the door:
"Arsenal have signed Brazilian defender Gabriel from Villarreal, with Joel Campbell agreeing a new long-term deal prior to a loan move to the La Liga side.
[...]
Costa Rica international Campbell, 22, is joining Villarreal on loan until the end of the season to gain more valuable first-team experience. He has made three Arsenal starts and seven appearances from the bench this season.
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Campbell Loaned to Villareal
Saturday, Jan. 24
La Liga side Villarreal have announced they have signed Arsenal attacker Joel Campbell on loan, with their highly-rated Brazilian defender Gabriel Paulista moving to the Gunners on a permanent deal.
Campbell has struggled for game time at the Emirates this season after an impressive World Cup with Costa Rica saw the forward grow in Arsene Wenger's estimation.
ESPNFC confirmed the deal as the news of the transfer broke:
The opportunity for the Spanish team to grab the 22-year-old was a clear sweetener for the Paulista deal—with Arsenal acquiring one of Europe's more hotly-tipped defenders as Campbell departs.
But it seems the player still has a future in North London once his loan is over, with Lewis Rudd of the Metro confirming it is expected Campbell will pen a new deal with Arsenal.
Rudd cites South American journalist Juan Carlos Aguero, who said on Saturday afternoon the attacker would pledge his future to the Gunners:
Campbell has only managed to accrue 39 minutes in the Premier League from four substitute appearances this season, per WhoScored.com, and will hugely benefit from a move to La Liga.
The player has previously appeared for Real Betis in 2012, and will feel comfortable in his new temporary environment.
The tempo of the Spanish game should suit his style and he might excel in Villarreal's colours.
Campbell has much potential but he is not yet ready to lead the line for the Gunners.
He was exceptional at times for his country at the World Cup in Brazil but the rigours of the Premier League are a different type of challenge.
With Olivier Giroud back from injury and Danny Welbeck purchased from Manchester United, first-team experience with Villarreal will ensure Campbell does not stagnate and he can return to Arsenal a better player.
