Sol Campbell leaves Arsenal for Newcastle United

Sol Campbell has joined Newcastle United on a one-year contract, the official Arsenal website confirmed today.  He played 14 games in all competitions last year in a bit of a renaissance for the former Invincibles defender.  In an interview with Newcastle's official site, Campbell says, "At this stage of my career, I couldn't have wished for a better move...I'd like to thank Chris Hughton for putting his faith in me and aim to repay him and the supporters by giving everything I possibly can to help re-establish this great club in the top tier of English football."

Campbell's departure leaves Arsenal even thinner at the back, of course, with the only senior central defenders sure to be around at the start of the year Thomas Vermaelen, Laurent Koscielny, Johan Djourou, and possibly Håvard Nordtveit.  Arsène Wenger seems almost certain to sign another center half; to not do so at this stage would be incredibly risky, to state the obvious.

Best of luck to Big Sol on his journey north (although here's hoping Arsenal still stuffs Newcastle this year).