Despite reports linking Joel Campbell with a move to Real Sociedad, it appears that Turkish side Fenerbahce may have a deal in place to sign the young Costa Rican forward.
According to Turkish newspaper Milliyet, the Fenerbahce sporting director Giuliano Terraneo has met with Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger recently and despite the meeting not initially regarding Campbell’s transfer, it became a hot topic of conversation between the two.
Campbell is highly out of favour in North London, with a number of highly talented players ahead of him in the search for first team football, so a move to another side may be the only option for the 22 year-old to consider.
After yet another loan move last season, on this occasion to Villarreal, it appears that Campbell’s future at Arsenal is already all but decided, but Campbell, speaking in May, told La Nacion that he has ‘an obsession’ to play for Arsenal.
“I know that not only Arsenal can win, I give thanks to God for giving me the gift of this sport, to keep me healthy and regardless of the country where I am, to me what interests me is playing football. It’s a race that lasts 10 or 15 years and I have an obsession to play at Arsenal, I still have many years of my contract and I am calm.
“If I have the chance [with Arsenal in pre-season], I will try to do my best and but the idea is to go on loan to high-level teams, who play Europa League or Champions League. I’m enjoying it and that is very good.
“Since I left the country I have not been desperate to play. In a year I had the option to stay, but I preferred to go on loan to Olympiacos to reach the World Cup. I also spent six months without playing much in the club, but that’s part of football, one has to go through tough stages.
“It is normal because I have many years of contract, but after the preseason I do not know if I stay or if I’m going on loan or if I will play at Arsenal.
“I still prepare well, to do well with the team and fight for my dreams.
“It is not up to me. In football there are a lot of very good players that the coach [Wenger] has not given the opportunity. Also, I am aware that Arsenal have good players. If you see, Theo Walcott has spent many years at the club and almost did not play this. It is not easy.
“To me I like any league. The only thing that interests me is playing football. I do not see sport as a business but as a passion and I play for fun, like I was in the street or in the neighbourhood, because football is not forever and you have to enjoy it.”
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