Monday, 29th August, 2011
Arsenal are considering loaning Costa Rica striker Joel Campbell to Lille in a move that could go some way towards making up for the French side’s disappointment at missing out on Park Chu-Young.
The Gunners gazumped Lille for the South Korean hitman over the weekend, leaving Rudi Garica’s side fuming.
Park had failed to show up for the second part of his medical with the Ligue 1 champions, who had agreed a fee with Monaco for the 26-year-old and considered the deal all but done.
And now Lille have been left scurrying around before the transfer window closes, searching high and low for a new striker.
Arsenal though could be about to offer the French club the opportunity to take Campbell on a season-long loan.
The 19-year-old was bought by Arsene Wenger’s side earlier this summer after impressing with Costa Rica at the Copa America in Argentina and signed a five-year contract at the Emirates.
But while Campbell is highly rated, he has failed to obtain a work permit required to play in England, and looks set to spend at least one year abroad. A fact which has registered with Lille.
Les Dogues could be the perfect introduction to European football for the former Deportivo Saprissa goal-getter, with the French side due to play Champions League football in addition to trying to defend their domestic title this season.
Arsenal boss Wenger is desperate to keep good relations with Lille, as Belgian talent Eden Hazard is a long-time target of the 61-year-old.
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