Arsenal agree fee for Campbell
355 comments July 17th, 2011
The father of Costa Rica striker Joel Campbell has told Costa Rican sports website Al Dia that the player’s club have agreed a deal with Arsenal worth $1.5m (£930,000).
Humberto Campbell says that the deal will be finalised today (Sunday), with Saprissa set for a final meeting with Arsenal’s envoy, Richard Law. Campbell has agreed a five-year contract, including provision for him to wear his preferred number 12 shirt – currently unoccupied at Arsenal.
Whether or not Campbell joins up with the squad this season will be dependent on if he obtains a work permit. He has not played the 70% of international games required, so would have to receive a “special talent” visa.
Having followed the deal all week on Gunnerblog, I’d be quite pleased if this went ahead. That said, it’s a punt on a prodigy rather than proven talent. More reliable reinforcements will be needed if we’re going to be a force this coming season.
Hopefully Saprissa themselves, who are yet to make serious comment on the story, will soon confirm a deal has been reached.
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Update 02.17 (Uk-time)
In the last few minutes, Costa Rican radio station ADN Radio have interviewed the president of Deportivo Saprissa, Juan Carlos Rojas, who has confirmed that the club have reached an “agreement in principal” with Arsenal.
Rojas called it a “historic agreement” for Costa Rica and Saprissa, and said that whilst the club had been offered more money by other clubs, Arsenal’s stature made this the right move for Joel.
He finished by saying that assuming personal terms are agreed, a deal could be finalised in the next 24 hours.
Right – off to bed!
