Arsene Wenger reveals Arsenal's rejected offers for this striker

Arsene Wenger reveals Arsenal's rejected offers for this striker

ARSENE WENGER has revealed Arsenal rejected a number of loan offers for Joel Campbell this summer.

 

Campbell has been called upon by Wenger recently after being left out of the side at the beginning of the season.

Injuries to Theo Walcott and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain have opened the door for the 23-year-old, while he replaced Alexis Sanchez after he was struck down with a hamstring problem during the 1-1 draw at Norwich yesterday.

And Wenger has claimed Arsenal turned down loan bids for Campbell this summer as he knew he would be needed at the Emirates.

 

"This season I did not want to give him out because he has a genuine team attitude and he is a fighter," the Gunners boss said.

"We had offers to loan him out but I am very keen to keep him here."

Campbell has scored just one goal in 10 appearances for Arsenal this season, but Wenger has faith in the Costa Rica international.

"I smelt something in him at the start of the season and the other night he had a positive attitude," the Frenchman added.

 

"Not only was he playing safe he also has good vision. He is creative but now that is linked with confidence. You really open your eyes when you feel free. That was his biggest problem.

"Now he has his chance and it is up to him to take it. He is doing well. He is giving me selection headaches.

"What did I smell? I felt this to be his time. He's so much like Sanchez in attitude.

"When a guy who comes from Costa Rica at a very young age has a long learning process. So I loaned him out. He had learned how hard it is at the top level and now he's ready."