Arsenal are reported to be considering recalling Joel Campbell from his loan at Real Betis. How would supporters feel about this?
Arsenal have been linked with some big name strikers over the last couple of months:
Klaas Jan-Huntelaar, Fernando Llorente, Demba Ba, even Falcao was touted several weeks ago.
So how would fans feel if their two new additions to the forward line in January were in fact a temporary return for Thierry Henry, and a loan recall for Joel Campbell?
Both it would seem to us, would be perfectly satisfactory, but feel like a bit of a cop out at the same time, when the club really needs a proven star at his peak to propel them to the next level.
Henry of course is a player of proven quality, and showed last season in his short stint that he can contribute – Yet this time around he will be 34, and crucially, he isn’t sticking around longer than a month-and-a-half, a stop-gap solution.
Joel Campbell presents more of a long-term solution in Arsenal’s attack – But is he ready?
Right now the gloomy atmosphere at Arsenal is unrelenting, with the Gunners in 10th, morale among supporters is at an all-time low under Arsene Wenger’s management. It may not add up to being the environment Campbell needs to thrive.
The Costa Rican is 20 and is currently on loan at Real Betis. He hit the headlines this weekend by scoring a winner against Deportivo, but it was his first of the season, and only his sixth appearance in La Liga.
Chelsea are preparing to leave Romelu Lukaku at West Brom to continue honing his trade, surely Arsenal would be better off doing the same with Campbell?
Having just hit his first of the season, now is the time for him to kick on and continue his Spanish adventure. He will no doubt see increased game time, and more regular starting berths, rather than being used as an impact substitute.
If he came back to Arsenal, would he get more games than he is at present or less? We would be inclined to suggest less.
With Giroud, Podolski, and even Walcott competing for striker positions, it may well be that Campbell lacks the necessary experience to jump the queue, and would be better off gaining it elsewhere.
Then there is also the fact Arsenal fans are almost demanding a big name signing from the board this January. Whether Huntelaar or Ba materialise (Llorente and Falcao certainly look unlikely) is another matter, but supporters want to see action from the club to show they have the ambition to not only secure a top four place but compete beyond that.
Campbell and Henry may not satisfy the cravings of supporters who want world class stars at their peak, and may be seen as simply the club saving the cash for the clubs accounts.
Could bringing Campbell back work out and be a stroke of genius? Or is it too soon and not what the club need?
image: © P-A-S-T
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