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| Wenger was speaking at a press conference on Friday ahead of the Emirates Cup |
Campbell is part of my plans for the new season, insists Wenger
Joel Campbell is part of my Arsenal plans for the new season, insists Arsene Wenger
► Wenger says Campbell will feature for Arsenal this season
► Forward had been linked with another loan move after fine World Cup
► Wenger says Costa Rica star could start against Benfica on Saturday
Arsene Wenger has quashed reports of Joel Campbell leaving Arsenal this summer, insisting the young forward is in his plans for the new season.
The Costa Rica star, 22, showed fans what he could do in his nation's heroic performances at the World Cup in Brazil, but was linked with a Premier League loan move ahead of the new season.
Wenger though says he is here to stay and should feature in this weekend's Emirates Cup.
'Yes, he [Campbell] is part of my plans. He might play tomorrow against Benfica,' Wenger told reporters at a press conference on Friday.
And talking about the South American influence at the club in the shape of new signings David Ospina and Alexis Sanchez, the French boss continued.
'We follow closely what's going on in South America because I believe, in some positions, they are stronger than European clubs.
'Especially up front. If you make a classification of a world-class striker today, that's in favour of South America.'
Campbell signed for Arsenal back in 2011 but has yet to make an appearance because of work permit issues, and has featured for three European sides in the meantime.
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