Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger believes that Joel Campbell’s loan spell at Spanish La Liga outfit Villarreal will do a world of good for the youngster.
Campbell was sent on loan for the remainder of the season to Villarreal, in a move that saw centre-back Gabriel Paulista move the other way on a permanent transfer.
The Costa Rica international struggled to make his way into the Arsenal first team with Alexis Sanchez, Olivier Giroud and Danny Welbeck ahead of him in the pecking order.
Since his move to the Emirates Stadium in the summer, after completing a loan spell at Olympiacos last season, the youngster managed only four Premier League appearances, all of which came as a substitute.
Speaking at a press conference, Wenger outlined that Campbell’s lack of playing time wasn’t helping his cause and he needed regular first team action.
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“Joel has extended his contract so he will go to Villarreal and he needed games.
“Here was a bit obstructed for him because there were too many players in the same position.
“After six months, he worked very hard every day and didn’t get enough chances to play, so I wanted to give him a chance to continue to get experience at the top level”, Wenger concluded.
Campbell made his debut for his new team when he started Villarreal’s 1-0 win over Getafe in the second leg of their Spanish Cup clash. He will be looking forward to getting more first team football under his belt.
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