Arsenal transfer news: Joel Campbell to be loaned as part of Gabriel deal

Joel Campbell's time at Arsenal appears set for a quick end, with reports coming out that the tricky winger will be used as makeshift to cover the difference in transfer fee and valuation for Arsenal's seemingly-upcoming deal for Villarreal's Gabriel:

Although the La Liga outfit held firm to the €20m release clause in the Brazilian’s contract, it’s believed that part of that sum will be made up by the loan of the Costa Rican striker until the end of this campaign.

There is no clause which allows them to buy at the end of the loan period, however, and it seems likely that Arsenal will look for a permanent suitor in the summer.

Campbell has barely sniffed the pitch this season, with Arsene Wenger preferring just about every available player on the flanks. With Theo Walcott back to health, and Wenger's comments yesterday indicating he's going to start Mesut Ozil wide, there's even fewer options for him at Arsenal. If he wasn't able to make the pitch when others were out hurt, there's very little to suggest he'd suddenly get opportunities now.

Hopefully Campbell thrives and makes an impact during the rest of Villarreal's season, and is able to latch on to a club full time next year that can guarantee him chances. If this is the last of Joel Campbell at Arsenal, we at The Short Fuse wish him all the luck in the world in his future opportunities.