By Jonny Payne
While speculation over Cesc Fabregas’ move from Arsenal to Barcelona continues, more members of the Gunners squad are starting to question their futures according to press reports over the past few days.
Sol Campbell, who was expected to sign a one-year deal at the North London club, has now shown interest in joining Celtic. Speaking to The Sun, the 35 year-old defender said:
“I’ve spoken with Neil about moving to Celtic and I’ve been impressed with what he had to say. Celtic is a serious option for me.
“We’re talking, although we haven’t yet discussed figures. Nothing is set in stone.”
Campbell added: “I know Celtic are a massive club. I have to consider them. You can’t ignore it when such a fantastic club makes their interest known.”
With Gallas yet to sign a new deal and the future of Mikael Silvestre still uncertain, that may leave Thomas Vermaelen and Johan Djourou as Arsenal’s only centre-backs. Kyle Bartley and Harvard Nordtveit have returned from their loan spells and may fight it out for a place in the first-team squad ahead of next season, but it is clear that at least one new defender is needed,
Meanwhile young striker Carlos Vela has stated that he may have to move away from Arsenal if he is to gain first team experience. Speaking after Mexico’s friendly at Wembley, the quick forward told The Sun:
“It was difficult. “I didn’t have many chances when I was fit. Then, injuries didn’t allow me to be in good form. But I still have time to get ready for the World Cup.
Vela added: “I’m only concentrating on playing for Mexico and having a good World Cup.
“Having a good World Cup can open many doors. If not at Arsenal, we’ll see where.”
Despite limited playing time this season, Vela has shown glimpses of getting back to his best, scoring the last goal against Fulham in the final game of the season with a sumptuous chip over the goalkeeper. It is unlikely that Vela will be allowed to leave on a permanent basis, though, having signed a new long-term contract last season – the best option may be to send the young Mexican on loan.
Today, according to Just Arsenal, reports are emanating from Norway that, like Fabregas, 6ft 4in striker Nicklas Bendtner also wants to move to Spain, telling the Dagsbladet newspaper that he would favour a move to either Barcelona or Real Madrid:
Bendtner said: My greatest ever dream is to play for the two biggest clubs in Spain…I think it is possible, and I know that I will go to the one that suits me the best.”
Bendtner added: “To be a fantastic player, one must prove that you can score goals. Not just over a season – but always.”
“I have not won anything yet, and I have not been top-scorer. But when I am people will be talking about myself in a different way.
“I hope that I will be a fantastic football player and that everyone will talk about me as one of the best strikers in the world.”
The Dane may find his playing time limited next season, however, with the newly signed Marouane Chamakh and a fully-fit Robin van Persie, there will be fierce competition for places upfront. Bendtner may not gain his dream move just yet as an obvious lack of strikers derailed Arsenal’s title bid last season and Arsene Wenger would be reluctant to sell the confident striker at this stage of his development.
Expect much activity in the coming weeks as Wenger has insisted he wants his main transfer dealings finalised by the start of the World Cup on June 11th.
