Arsenal’s World Cup star tracked by Everton.Everton manager Roberto Martinez could be lining up another smart move in the loan market this summer as he eyes a deal for impressive Arsenal youngster Joel Campbell, CaughtOffside understands.
The Costa Rica starlet shone in the Champions League whilst on loan with Greek side Olympiacos in 2013/14, notably scoring a superb solo goal in a last-16 tie against Manchester United, and he has also got off the mark for his country in Brazil this summer with a well-taken effort against Uruguay to help his side to victory in their opening game of the World Cup.
Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has hinted that the 21-year-old forward could be part of his first-team plans next season, but he may now be tempted to loan the player out again for one more season with the promise of handing him some much-needed experience in the English top flight.
A move to Everton could be ideal for Arsenal, with Martinez’s side playing a stylish brand of attacking football that would give Campbell the right preparation for eventually establishing himself with the Gunners, and the Toffees would also benefit from his arrival as they eye new signings upfront.
Martinez successfully brought in Belgian striker Romelu Lukaku from Chelsea last summer on a season-long loan deal, but with a permanent move to Goodison Park looking highly unlikely after his fine form has attracted interest from a number of top clubs around Europe, Everton will need to bring in a replacement in attack.
Campbell is increasingly looking like a player who could do a fine job of replacing Lukaku, with the player possessing a similar skill set with his pace, strength and lethal finishing technique on his left foot.
After other loan spells with the likes of Real Betis and Lorient, Campbell is yet to make an appearance for Arsenal, but his ever-improving reputation now looks to be making him high in demand, and the Gunners may find it increasingly tricky to keep hold of him as some of Europe’s top clubs take notice.
As well as Everton, Roma and Borussia Dortmund are also believed to be looking at him and will keep an eye on how he adapts to life in the Premier League this season before possibly making a move next summer, as he remains unproven at the very top level.
Arsenal, however, will be hoping to only send him out on a temporary deal for the time being, and Everton currently look the favourites to land him this summer.