Stoke City enter race to bag pacy Arsenal youngster Joel Campbell
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After an impressive World Cup for Costa Rica, following on from a prosperous loan to Olympiakos, Joel Campbell looks likely to finally be given the opportunity to shine at Arsenal.
However, the striker has played just 145 minutes of football for the Gunners this season, attracting the interest of a number of Premier League clubs looking to bolster their attacking options.
Stoke are the latest club to enquire about the possibility of taking the 22-year-old on loan in January, with Arsene Wenger reportedly happy to let his man go in order to get some game-time.
The Potters were in talks with the Emirates outfit over the summer regarding the purchase of Campbell, but it appeared then he would get his chance in north London, having featured prominently in pre-season.
Mark Hughes will likely have competition for his signature though, with the likes of West Brom, Benfica and Inter Milan also reported to be in the race.
The Staffordshire club came to life against their old foes from north London last weekend, condemning them to a fifth defeat in eight visits to the Britannia Stadium in a 3-2 victory.
Nevertheless their boss still looks to be on the search for more attacking players.
Hughes was coy when asked recently whether Stoke were in the market to splash the cash in the window:
“It’s unlikely we’ll spend a significant amount.
“If, in January, we lose any to long-term injuries then, if the right player became available, I’m sure there’d be resources available,” he told the BBC.
How much is available for signings remains to be seen, with Stoke chairman Peter Coates notoriously stringent with his spending.
Though, with Victor Moses still a long term absentee, a loan signing of an exciting player who fills the void perfectly would appeal.
But before they can sign anyone, the Potters must follow on from their victory last weekend with a visit to Crystal Palace, for which they are 2/1 shots to take the three points.
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