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29 March 2024

Arsenal talent on the line: Campbell to Betis

Joel Campbell of Costa Rica celebrates scoring during the Gary Speed Memorial International Match against Wales at the Cardiff City Stadium in this February 29, 2012 file photo. (GETTY)

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By Staff

Arsenal seem to be losing the plot even before the transfer window opens with talented striker Joel Campbell set to spend a second spell on loan away from Emirates.

The 20-year-old Costa Rican, who joined the Gunners from hometown club Deportivo Saprissa in 2011, spent last season in Ligue 1 with Lorient where he bagged three goals in 25 league appearances.

The highly-rated forward, capped 14 times by Costa Rica, had been tipped to challenge for a first-team spot at Arsenal next season.

But he now looks poised to gain further experience abroad at Spanish side Real Betis after failing to gain a work permit, according to reports in the British press.

"It is a great opportunity for me to grow," Campbell told Fox TV.

"I am going to the world's best league, and I want to play. I want to show what I am capable of."

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger must be buoyed by the arrival of Lukas Podolski and Olivier Giroud but with uncertainty surrounding skipper Robin van Persie and England star Theo Walcott, the likes of Campbell would have been an asset.

With Jack Wilshere still undergoing rehab, another young gun Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain might be forced to shoulder the burden stretching the options available for Wenger.

Wenger may be happy to send him out on loan again but does not realise what he would be missing as Campbell relishes the chance to test himself in La Liga.