Arsene Wenger has revealed that he rejected offers to take striker Joel Campbell on loan because he feels the Costa Rican has a major part to play in Arsenal’s title challenge.
Campbell has had spells at Lorient, Real Betis, Olympiacos and Villarreal but Wenger made it clear he wanted him at the Emirates this season.
“This season I did not want to give him out because he has a genuine team attitude and he is a fighter," said Wenger. “We had offers to loan him out but I am very keen to keep him here. For a guy who comes from Costa Rica at a very young age, it is a learning process.
“He has to see competition week in, week out. He went to Lorient, Olympiacos and Villarreal and he has learned how hard life is at the top level. Now he is ready – and he is still young.”
Wenger added: “Recently, he has shown that when he is confident he can produce that offensive quality and be reliable with his team attitude. That is great for us. I smelt something in him that is very interesting. He has a positive attitude and does not just play safe.
“He loves football. He is like Alexis Sanchez – South American-ish, a fighter."
Wenger acknowledged that Campbell could be frustrated if he is omitted when the likes of Theo Walcott, Danny Welbeck and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain are fit.
“If you want to be at a top club, you have to accept this competition," said Wenger who also feels that the likes of Mathieu Flamini and Calum Chambers can provide adequate for the injured Francis Coquelin.