Arsene Wenger: Why I 'refused to sell' this Arsenal star in summer

ARSENE WENGER believes he made the right decision to keep Arsenal forward Joel Campbell over the summer.

Joel CampbellGETTY

Arsene Wenger says he never thought about selling Joel Campbell

The Costa Rica international wanted to leave at the end of last season after making just four substitute appearances in the Premier League before joining Villarreal on loan.

But Wenger had no desire to let Campbell leave as he knew the 23-year-old had the right attitude to make it at the Emirates.

Campbell, who had three spells out on loan before he made his Arsenal debut, has already made six league starts this season, scoring twice.

"I flat-out refused to let him go because I saw something in him that gives you belief, because of his attitude," Wenger said.

"You want to be surprised by the quality of your players and where he surprises you is in the intensity of his teamwork."

Wenger was convinced Campbell deserved more playing time after his impressive performance in the 3-0 Champions League win over Olympiakos last month.

Joel Campbell - Spotlight On

Joel CampbellGETTY

Joel Campbell has three goals to his name this season

The former Saprissa man grabbed a vital assist against the Greek outfit to send the Gunners through to the knockout stages and has featured in every game since.

"After Olympiakos, in a game where we were like that, knife on the throat, he turned up with something special," the Frenchman added. 

"Then I thought 'he can play under pressure as well, what is important for us'."

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