Joel Campbell: I expect to be playing at Arsenal next season

Joel Campbell will look to fight for his place at Arsenal

Wonderkid Joel Campbell has claimed he is expecting to be heavily involved for Arsenal next season, feeling his performances for Costa Rica at the World Cup this summer have earned him the chance to prove himself at the Emirates.

Campbell’s agent has already confirmed that he is heading back to the Gunners next season having seen the forward go out on loan over the past couple of years, with Real Betis and Olympiakos having both benefited from temporary deals for Campbell.

With Arsenal needing additional options up front after Olivier Giroud struggled to deal with the burden of playing as the lone striker without help, Campbell is expected to be part of the squad, alongside one other incoming signing, with the likes of Mario Balotelli and Mario Mandzukic linked to the club.

Campbell is hoping that he has done enough this summer to convince Arsene Wenger that he can play a major part for Arsenal next season after helping Costa Rica spring a surprise by topping Group D ahead of former champions England, Italy and Uruguay at the World Cup and he is expecting to kick-start his Gunners career at last.

Campbell told the Daily Mirror, “I believe I’ll be returning to Arsenal for next season.

“It’s been a beautiful World Cup for Costa Rica. It’s gone very well. Qualifying first in a very difficult group is important, but now we have to focus on the last 16.

“We weren’t concerned about who we were drawn against in the first round, we were simply pleased to be there, but now we are determined to go further.”