Benfica were all ready to bid for the 22-year-old Costa Rica staron deadline day, However, Wenger reportedly rejected the offer because he wanted Campbell to stay to provide back-up for Olivier Giroud, Danny Welbeck and Yaya Sanogo.
Campbell’s agent Joaquim Batica told Portuguese newspaper O Jogo: “Benfica fought until the last minute to sign Campbell but the move didn’t happen because, in the last hour, Arsenal decided to keep him.
“Wenger says he did not want to sell him. But if he is not in his plans, then why not allow him to leave?”
Campbell has spent three seasons out on loan since signing in 2011.
He starred for Olympiakos in the Champions League last season, scoring against Manchester United.
The forward followed that with a string of impressive performances for his country at the World Cup – but he still hasn’t started a game for Arsenal.
Written by Steve Milne
