Joel Campbell: Arsene Wenger full of praise for Arsenal forward on loan at Olympiakos - but has not decided if Costa Rican will feature in his plans for next season

21-year-old scored against Manchester United on Tuesday night

James Orr
Thursday 27 February 2014 07:13 EST
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Joel Campbell, on loan from Arsenal, celebrates his goal...with more than a nod to Thierry Henry
Joel Campbell, on loan from Arsenal, celebrates his goal...with more than a nod to Thierry Henry (AP)

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Arsene Wenger has praised Joel Campbell, the Arsenal striker on loan at Olympiakos, but has admitted that he does not know if the 21-year-old will feature in his plans next season.

The Costa Rican scored a delightful solo goal against Premier League rivals Manchester United in the Champions League on Tuesday night, and he said after the match he is now "ready" to play for his parent club in England next season.

The Gunners' manager, however, while saying that Campbell has now "adapted to physical side of the European game", has not decided whether he will finally break into the Arsenal team next season. Campbell joined the club in 2011, but because of work permit issues, which have now been resolved, he has been out on three different loan spells.

"I will decide that later. Why not? We bought him to bring him here,” the manager told arsenal.com.

“He was good, convincing going forward [against Manchester United]. He looks like he has adapted a bit better to the physical side of the European game.

“We always knew that he had the talent to create something special. He did rely a bit too much on that.

“But he's now been out with three different clubs; he was with Lorient, Real Betis and now Olympiakos. He has learned the toughness of the European leagues."

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