Gunners swoop for Costa Rican

Gunners swoop for Costa Rican

Published Jul. 17, 2011 3:15 p.m. ET

Campbell has made just three senior appearances for Deporivo Saprissa, one of Costa Rica's top clubs, but has already caught the eye of many European scouts. The 19-year-old scored his first international goal in a 5-0 victory over Cuba at the Gold Cup and followed that up with an assist in a 2-0 victory over Bolivia at the Copa America. Campbell was unable to prevent Costa Rica from slipping out of that tournament at the group stage, but he left Argentina with many new admirers. Arsenal have moved quickly to see off the competition for his signature and have a $1.5million (£930,000) deal in place. Juan Carlos Rojas, president of Deporivo, confirmed the agreement to DNA Radio and said the transfer would be 'very beneficial to both Campbell and Costa Rican football'. The youngster is set to take part in the U20 World Cup later this month, giving him another opportunity to impress. It is expected that Arsenal will then send him out on loan as he has not played in 75 per cent of Costa Rica's games and will not be eligible for a work permit. He is, however, considered to be an exciting prospect for the future and Arsenal have seen off interest from Italy and Spain in securing his services.

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