Costa Rican teenage sensation Joel Campbell who caught the eye in the Copa America campaign is set to join Arsenal for a sum of £900,000. The Ticos exited in the group stage but Campbell made his mark scoring in a 2-0 win against Bolivia. They were outclassed 0-4 against Argentina with Campbell again shining with his speed and dribbling skills.
Campbell only has six internationals under his belt, 75% less than the requisite number and has to apply for a work permit approved by the Home Office. Arsenal can apply for a special dispensation or loan him out to another club like they did with Carlos Vela.
Meanwhile, Denilson is returning to his former club Sao Paulo on loan.
For a budget conscious club like Arsenal the £3.4 million represented big money for a reserve player not fully broken into the senior squad. His arrival in 2006 was something of a surprise. We can now in hindsight say Denilson was not one of Wenger’s wise choices.
His big moment came when Mathieu Flamini and Gilberto Silva departed the club and initially he showed some promise but never quite acquired the physical presence or the organizational capabilities required of a holding midfielder. His 2010 -11 appearances were limited as Wenger now relied on Jack Wilshere and Alexander Song for midfield duties.
There were rumours that Wenger was offering him and cash to Shakhtar Donetsk in lieu for the services of Douglas Costa but it was rejected.
Denilson on his return:
” I’m now focused on doing well in Brazil next season, but will always be looking out for the Arsenal results. It is a great club with many great players, a good team spirit and a top-class manager. I wish you well for next season.”