Pictures Leaked: Sporting Lisbon confirms that Arsenal complete the deal for a striker!
Aug 21, 2016 at 6:49 PM
Arsenal striker Joel Campbell has successfully completed a move to Portuguese club Sporting Lisbon for a season-long loan, his agent Joaquim Batica has confirmed on his twitter.
Smile…deal done! @joel_campbell12 joins @Sporting_CP pic.twitter.com/5Nkk1lA8RV
— JOAQUIM BATICA (@joaquimbatica) August 21, 2016
The 24-year old have moved to Emirates back in 2011 from Saprissa. He has failed to make an impact over the last few years as he was sent on loan on multiple. He has loan spells at Lorient, Real Betis, Olympiacos and Villarreal earlier.
However, Campbell has made a breakthrough into the side last season as he managed 30 appearances for the Gunners but have scored a mere 4 goals over the course of the season.
The emergence of Iwobi has impacted the player’s chances during the latter stages of the season as he was restricted to bench most of the time. He was also not present in the match day squad for Arsenal this season which has given hints of him leaving Emirates on a loan spell yet again.
The Portuguese club have finished second in the league last season and will provide the young striker plenty of chances to prove in Champions League this season which could help massively in his development.
.@joel_campbell12 challenge accepted! Welcome to Sporting CP! #BemvindoCampbell pic.twitter.com/NyA7vIv2aV
— Sporting CP (@SportingCP) August 21, 2016
Meanwhile, Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger is under severe pressure as he failed to make impact signings this summer. The manager, however, has defended his transfer policy after their 0-0 draw with Leicester City.
“Why do you say I am reluctant? I don’t understand that,” said Wenger. “ If we find players who can strengthen our team we are not reluctant. I would spend £300m if I find the right player and I have £300m.
“Unfortunately, nobody speaks about the performance of Rob Holding,” Wenger went on. “You should be happy – he is English, he is 20. But I am sorry he didn’t cost £55m so he cannot be good. He had an outstanding performance for a young boy who has never played in the Premier League up against a great player. We don’t talk about the players anymore. We speak about anything else than football.”