Forgotten Arsenal man could wind up a Newcastle player

As far as Arsenal players go, it’s fair to say Joel Campbell had slid under most people’s radars until he popped up in the Champions League for Olympiakos when scoring a superb goal against Manchester United.

Then again, it’s hardly that surprising as the 21-year-old Costa Rican forward is yet to take to the pitch for Arsenal despite joining the Gunners in the summer of 2011.

Since then, work permit issues have kept Campbell out on the continent on three separate season-long loans, where he’s spent time in France with Lorient, before joining Real Betis and most recently Olympiakos.

And it’s Campbell’s development this season playing for the Greek Super League champions which had finally got Arsenal fans a little excited that he could finally make an impact at the Emirates next season, now his paperwork issues are resolved.

However, if the latest rumours come to fruition, it could be that the first time Campbell steps out on the Emirates turf in the Premier League it’s on the opposing side.

Newcastle are reported to be plotting a move for Campbell, whose pace and eye for goal are attributes the Magpies are almost certain to lose if as expected Loic Remy leaves for pastures new this summer.

Fresh impetus of any kind would be most welcome right now for Toon fans, whose side have embarked on a truly miserable run of three defeats without scoring – shipping 11 goals.

Their next chance to remedy that comes at the Britannia Stadium where the Geordies are 13/5 for a much-need victory over Stoke.

Campbell has bagged nine goals for the Greeks in all competitions this season and can operate either in midfield or in the wide forward positions preferred by many Premier League sides.

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