On the surface, the potential exit of Mathieu Debuchy to Arsenal stinks of recent deals conducted by Newcastle. Yohan Cabaye’s move to PSG and the sale of Demba Ba are prime examples of the Magpies rooting out talent at a good price before presenting it to the Premier League, and Europe, as a whole. These players are then hoovered up, leaving the Tynesiders without key men and back to square one – albeit with a few more zeros on their bank balance.
But, Debuchy’s imminent switch to Arsenal looks to offer something a bit different, with reports in today’s Chronicle suggesting that the Gunners are ready to send Joel Campbell on loan to St James’ Park, while indications from the Daily Mail are that Carl Jenkinson may be another potential makeweight. As well as either player, the ‘Toon’ are set to pocket anywhere between £7m-£11m from their London adversaries.
Cash, plus a talented star for a player that wants to leave? No brainer for Mike Ashley and Alan Pardew, surely? As talented as the French right-back is, getting either Jenkinson or Campbell would present a fantastic opportunity for the North East side, who would solve a problem with either star.
Jenkinson would be the immediate option with Debuchy heading out the door, with the former Finland youth player and one-time England international a natural replacement. At 22, his best days are ahead of him, and a permanent deal, as is being mooted, may well allow Newcastle to nurture another talent.
But perhaps more exciting would be the arrival of Campbell. The Costa Rican has truly risen to prominence at the Would Cup as a part of his nation’s record breaking run to the quarter-finals, netting a vital goal in the memorable comeback win against Uruguay:
This was the climax of what has been an impressive recent run for the 22-year-old forward, who was terrific while on loan at Olympiakos last term. As the stats show below he knows how to find the net and did so in all the major competitions he featured in from a variety of positions:
So with Loic Remy now gone, Campbell coming in makes real sense. The French forward enjoyed an excellent loan stint at Newcastle, banging in 14 goals in the Premier League to play himself into a potential switch to, ironically, Arsenal. So with the 27-year-old out of the door, Campbell could be the replacement Pardew needs, particularly with Papiss Cisse having not illustrated the form that made him an instant hit in January 2012.
In truth there are similarities between the youngster and Remy. Both players are hard workers who are willing to run the channels to bring others into play, which will be essential with Newcastle likely to field just the one main striker in the majority of the games next term. Campbell also possesses the goalscoring nous, as touched on earlier, with big efforts in big games – including this one against Manchester United in the Champions League:
//www.youtube.com/embed/FNaZs80QSLA
This next video also provides some decent footage and information about his loan spell in Greece with Olympiakos last season:
//www.youtube.com/embed/Svb-vARDHs8
As shown, Campbell nets a variety of goals from different angles and distances as well as weighing in with vital assists and good movement.
Okay, he wouldn’t be a ‘Newcastle player’ and the same situation as exists with Remy now will likely come around again next summer, but the youngster will be hungry to prove himself in the Premier League after a succession of loan spells and a work permit wrangle, which would work in the club’s favour.
Simply put, Newcastle would be foolish to opt against taking Campbell as a part of the deal for Debuchy. Jenkinson would be an option for them, however the fleet-footed striker looks to be the one to go after. His career is on an upward trajectory, and with Arsenal ready to grant him a temporary switch, Newcastle must use their leverage to get him in. Who knows, he may fire the Magpies to the Europa League, even if Ashley doesn’t want it!
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