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Arsenal pull out of Campbell deal

175 comments July 19th, 2011

Arsenal have closed the door on their attempts to sign Costa Rican striker Joel Campbell, after neither the player or his father turned up to a scheduled meeting last night.

The paper La Nacion, which has had several exclusives about the story, leads with the headline ‘Joel Campbell stood Arsenal up‘.

The President of his club Saprissa, Juan Carlos Rojas, confirmed:

“It’s a disappointment for football, for Saprissa and for me that they have decided not to take up an offer from as serious and first-class people as Arsenal.  I hope it works out for Joel.

I assume his father thinks that things will get better and that’s why he made this decision, but hey, there’s always a risk.  It’s a shame that Costa Rican football could not have a player at Arsenal at this time.”

All parties were due to meet at 7pm at the Intercontinental Hotel for a final meeting before Richard Law departed for London.  Humberto Campbell claimed he and his son were absent due to the medical tests that were being undertaken, but Arsenal were suitably unimpressed to pull out of the deal.  Rojas confirmed:

“There is no other option; the doors are closed.”

Humberto Campbell seemed unmoved by the news:

“If the Arsenal option is closed there is no problem.  When one door closes, many open.”

It’s quotes like that which will lead people to infer than another club has already been in his ear.

The news has to go down as another blow to Arsenal’s summer transfer plans, after we just missed out on Argentinian midfielder Ricky Alvarez despite sending Law out to try and do out a deal.  It does, however, seem that in this case the player’s father made it more trouble than it was worth.

Sorry to start your day with some less than great news…

Campbell Deal Delayed

93 comments July 19th, 2011

Hello all.  Just a quick one from me to let you know that there’s no need to stay up all night checking Costa Rican websites hoping to see news of an Arsenal signing.  Striker Joel Campbell’s move has hit a snag and will be held up.

Despite undergoing a medical attended by Arsenal officials at a local hospital, the player’s father has now said they will wait until after his participation in the U-20 World Cup before making any decision.  He said:

“We have decided we will not sign anything yet; we expect to finish the World Cup to for Joel to go and play calmly and without pressure, then see what happens.

The offer from Arsenal remains on the table – we are not saying no, we are asking for time.”

Rather unfortunately, Humberto Campbell’s decision comes amidst rumours of rival interest from Spain, Russia, and England. It seems Richard Law will now return to England without the player’s signature.

The earliest date Campbell could be free from his international duty is 6th August.  If Costa Rica do well in the competition, he could be at the tournament until 20th August.

In my opinion there are two possible reasons for the decision to delay: the first is that they are waiting to see if Arsenal can be successful in their application for a special talent visa.  The second, and unfortunately more likely, is that they’re hoping that a good showing in Colombia will enable them to demand more money from Arsenal or a string of other suitors.

Whilst we’ve clearly tried to get this deal sewn up as swiftly as possible, it is in the interests of the player and his representatives to drag it out.  I’ve enjoyed bringing you all updates on this transfer, but it seems like any imminent activity is unlikely.

The Denilson to Sao Paulo deal, however, does appear to have been tied up.  Night all.