Arsenal Transfer Prospect: How Vital Is Sol Campbell To Arsenal?

With the speculation that Cesc Fabregas may be departing Arsenal for his boyhood team Barcelona dominating the headlines, the rumours that veteran Arsenal defender Sol Campbell could be leaving the Emirates for Celtic have gone largely unnoticed. 

The Englishman who rejoined Arsenal in the January transfer window after impressing manager Arsene Wenger when training with the Gunners to keep fit. Campbell had an impressive return to Premier League football. The 35 year old featured 13 times for the Gunners and even managed to find the back of the net.

The former Portsmouth defenders contribution to the Gunners saw him in contention for a shock spot on England's World Cup Squad but sadly the promise failed to materialize. Now off contract rumours are circling that Scottish giants Celtic are about to swoop in a sign the England centre half.

At 35 Campbell is undoubtedly on his last legs but in the latter stages of 2009/2010 Campbell showed he still boast strength and speed as well as his natural leadership abilities. Although he would be unable to feature prominently for the Gunners, he would still provide strong depth and experience in the Arsenal backline. Furthermore he would be able to nurture and mentor the younger, promising defenders.

Wenger has a growing problem with his defenders, the likes of William Gallas, Philippe Senderos, and Mikael Silvestre are all set to depart North London which ensures Arsenal have Thomas Vermaelen, Johan Djourou and Harvard Nodtveit in the central defensive ranks.

The Frenchman is expected to make a premier defensive signing in before or possibly after the World Cup. But it raises the question how vital is Sol Campbell to Arsenal and should he be kept on their roster?