Joel Campbell discusses his Arsenal future amid AC Milan & Valencia interest

Arsenal winger Joel Campbell has revealed that he is not paying attention to the speculation linking him with a move away from the club this summer.

The talented Costa Rican international had an impressive campaign at the Emirates last season and became a real fan favourite due to his work-rate and willingness to run with the ball at opposition defenders.

However, with Arsene Wenger a big fan of summer targets Julian Draxler and Riyad Mahrez, as well as having Alex Iwobi, Alexis Sanchez and Chris Willock all vying for a place in the first-team, it had been reported that Campbell was set to be forced out of the squad.

Despite the talk linking Campbell with a move to both AC Milan and Valencia, speaking on his official website, the Costa Rican confirmed that he is ready to fight for his place in the starting XI after having a good rest on holiday.

“I have had a good holiday and now I am happy to train, to return strong, to prepare myself well in this preseason for the new campaign for which I have high expectations and I will fight with everything to have the opportunity to play and to show what I can give.

“Last season was my first full season with the team from start to finish and to me it was a very productive time, I played 30 games and that was very important for me and made me mature a lot. I could show what I’m made of, and at last the team and the fans were happy with what I have done.

“There are always rumours, but I don’t talk about those things.

“I focus on doing my thing, which is to train day to day, to fight and to try to give my best.”

It seems pretty unlikely that Campbell would be pushed out of Arsenal, he had a very impressive season last year and is a good option for Wenger to consider. If both parties are pleased, there’s no reason why, unless a substantial bid is offered, that the winger would leave.