Arsenal Pull out of Joel Campbell Deal

Arsenal have pulled out of the deal and will not sign Joel Campbell.The Costa Rican striker looked certain to leave Deportivo Saprissa and was just moments away from signing for The Gunners.But in an extraordinary twist, the London club have now chosen to pull out of the deal, because neither Campbell or his father turned up to a scheduled meeting last night Humberto Campbell, the father of Joel, claimed that he and his son were absent due to the medical tests that were being taken.In an exclusive interview with La Nacion, Saprissa club President, Juan Carlos Rojas, confirmed the news.“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.”

However, Humberto Campbell seemed to be unmoved by the news.

“If the Arsenal option is closed there is no problem. When one door closes, many open.”
It seems likely that another club has come in for him with a better offer.
Of course, only time will confirm this, but it appears that Joel and his father have found a more lucrative deal, and ultimately, seem more than content, missing out on the move to Arsenal Football Club.

Arsenal Move for Costa Rican Wonderkid

Reputable Costa Rican website EverardoHerrera reports that Arsenal executive Richard Law has arrived in Costa Rica to negotiate the signing of 19-year old striker Joel Campbell.He is a left-footed centre-forward, nicknamed “The Panther”, who can also operate on the flanks. His pace, movement, and finishing ability have seen him likened to Manchester United’s Mexican forward Javier Hernandez, and he has been one of the stars of Costa Rica’s Copa America campaign, scoring and assisting in their 2-0 win over Bolivia. Prior to the tournament, Campbell was heavily linked with clubs in La Liga and Serie A. Now it seems Arsenal have made their move.Campbell’s club, Saprissa, are keen for a deal to be agreed as the player’s contract expires in 2012. Campbell himself would like to tie up any move before Costa Rica’s U-20 World Cup campaign begins in Colombia on July 31st.