Joel Campbell has joined Villarreal on loan for the rest of the season.
Used as a make-weight in order to allow Arsenal to sign the Spanish side’s captain, Gabriel Paulista, Campbell has become the third first-team striker to leave the club during this window.
Issuing a statement on his official site, Campbell revealed how happy he was to make the move.
He said
This opportunity means a lot to me, I am very happy with this opportunity, I am signing a loan contract with a good team in a good league, I hope to do my best.
Campbell doesn’t really seem to have a future at Arsenal.
His contract runs out next summer and while there has been talk of a new Arsenal deal, that would certainly seem to be more about protecting their investment than any long-term plans the club might have for him in an Arsenal shirt.
Expected to sign his contract on Sunday, in an official video on his site, he added
This means a lot to me, I am very excited with this new opportunity and I hope to sign the contract tomorrow [Sunday].
It is a great team and hope to take advantage of this opportunity and do my best.
[It] is a huge step. The Spanish league is a top one and Villarreal have a great game style and I hope to have the opportunity to demonstrate what I know.
[It] is a pleasure to play with them.
Watch his statement below (English subs)
[hat tip @afcpresswatch]