Costa Rica international forward Joel Campbell has revealed he will return to parent club Arsenal this summer amid increasing speculation linking the player with a host of English Premier League clubs.
Campbell, 21, joined Arsenal from Costa Rican FPD side Deportivo Saprissa in August 2011 and has spent each of the past three seasons on loan away from North London, with Lorient (2011/12), Real Betis (2012/13) and Olympiacos (2013/14).
The 21-year-old ace, who tallied one goal and one assist in Costa Rica’s impressive 3-1 win over Uruguay on Saturday, has improved in each of the past three seasons and is believed to be rated at around €10 million.
His improvements may be enough to keep him at the Emirates Stadium next term, with youngsters Chuks Aneke and Ryo Miyaichi likely to depart if Campbell makes the Gunners’ 25-man squad.
“Of course I have to go back, because I have a contract with Arsenal,” Campbell told reporters.
“The most important thing just now is my country and the World Cup.
“Today was excellent for me, but it would have come to nothing without the contribution of my team-mates.
“Everyone lived up to their responsibilities. I tried to do my best to score goals and my colleagues supported me.
“We have to take one step after another. We have difficult matches ahead, but this will give us impetus.”
Campbell scored eight goals in 32 league appearances for the Greek Superleague champions last season.
Joel Robles talks up Spain switch for Lukaku
Former Atlético Madrid goalkeeper Joel Robles believes Belgian sensation Romelu Lukaku would be a hit at the Estadio Vicente Calderón.
Lukaku, 21, has enjoyed back-to-back terrific season-long loan spells at West Bromwich Albion and Everton and looks set to leave Stamford Bridge for pastures new when the transfer window re-opens in July.
A host of top European clubs are keen on the 21-year-old striker, and rightfully so. However, only a few — possibly including Atletico — can afford the highly-rated front-man.
If Diego Costa ultimately completes his seemingly imminent move to Chelsea, the UEFA Champions League runners-up could use some of the £30 million-plus fee to lure Lukaku to the Spanish capital.
“He asked me about the Spanish league and what our league is like,” Robles said.
“He is very interested in other leagues, like the Italian one and ours.
“Lukaku is the sort of player Cholo (Atletico coach Diego Simeone) likes. His characteristics, desire, dedication and strength are exactly what Simeone wants.
“Apart from being physically strong he is also very technical because he is such a complete forward.
“If Atletico do end up signing him, he would be a great addition.
“He is a very physical player and very strong. He is very difficult to stop, an animal. He is intimidating, like a beast. He is a complete forward.
“The Premier League is not like the Spanish league. They are totally different. But I think with his characteristics, he would adapt to the Spanish game.
“He would fit in perfectly because he is a great player and there is always room for good players.”
Where will Lukaku ply his trade next season?
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