Kevin Campbell has shut down the criticism towards Arsenal being linked with a move for Leicester City defender Timothy Castagne.
When it comes to the transfer window, every fan wants their team to sign the top players, the big-name stars and splash a load of cash whilst doing it.
Arsenal might do just that with Declan Rice, but with Timothy Castagne’s name popping up on the rumour mill, it has received a mixed reaction from fans and Campbell has defended the club’s call to possibly bring him in, as he told the Highbury Squad.
A versatile defender, who can operate as both a right-back and a left-back, as well as being able to play in a back three, it has been a troublesome season for Castagne – but he is still attracting interest from the top.
Life in the Premier League started well for the 27-year-old, but during these past 18 months, just like his team, he has gone downhill and it all ended with relegation this term.
Nonetheless, Mikel Arteta sees something in the player, as Campbell reminded fans that when Gabriel Martinelli first arrived he ‘wasn’t a sexy name’ and how you always don’t need to bring in ‘superstar’ players.
“Martinelli wasn’t a sexy name when we signed him,” said Campbell. “Any time I have seen him (Castagne), he has been alright.
“What people have to understand is, you can’t have a team of superstars. You need purpose players. Players that are fit for purpose. Players that come in and do the job. Unsung, but do the job.
“This is what builds out your squad. These are the names that build out your squad.”
Castagne would be a squad player at Arsenal
If the Belgium international can find the form that he hit during the early stages of his Leicester career, then he is worth taking a punt on.
Is he going to join to push either full-back out of the XI? No. But he would be a very reliable and strong squad player.
And with the Gunners making a return to the Champions League next season, then that’s going to be needed because that squad isn’t going to build itself.
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