SOL CAMPBELL was last night poised to complete the shock move of this month’s transfer window by re-signing for Arsenal after playing for the club’s reserves.
Sol Campbell returned to Arsenal colours at West Ham last night
As revealed in last Friday’s Daily Express, Gunners boss Arsene Wenger has decided he needs experienced cover for William Gallas and Thomas Vermaelen and sees Campbell, 35, as the perfect short-term option.
Campbell, who is being lined up for a first-team return in the FA Cup against Stoke next Sunday, said: “I cannot tell you how much I’ve missed playing after being out so long since leaving Notts County.
“I need to get minutes under my belt, a couple of reserve games at least, before I can start looking any further ahead. I’m signing for Arsenal until the end of the season. There are still a few technicalities to iron out. It’s fantastic, great, marvellous.
“The old enthusiasm is back. I’ve got to tell you it seems as though I’ve never been away. I’m ecstatic to be back at Arsenal and I’ve worked hard to get there.”
He added: “Arsene Wenger has been an inspiration. He has watched me closely after letting me train at Arsenal for nearly two months now. He’s not stupid- he wouldn’t have taken me back if he didn’t like what he has seen and I’ve worked and worked. There have been a few clubs, quite a bit of speculation, but going back to Arsenal - well, that is serious and I am serious about this.
“I’ve
missed it and I’ve a gut feeling this is the right move. It’s no longer
a hunger to get back - it’s turned into a craving. I am champing at the
bit. I’m fresh, I’m raring to go. It’s unbelievable to be back at
Arsenal.”
Wenger planned to try to sell
out-of-favour centre-back Philippe Senderos before signing Campbell,
who will earn about £40,000 a week until the end of the season.
Campbell played 45 minutes for the reserves last night and did not put
a foot wrong. He said afterwards: “It was great to be back in an
Arsenal shirt. I feel fine and 45 minutes was enough.”
Campbell
had five years with the Gunners previously before joining Portsmouth,
with his last appearance coming in the Champions League final defeat
against Barcelona in May 2006, in which he scored.
Manchester City, Hull and Newcastle had all expressed an interest in him.
THEO
WALCOTT has suffered a slight setback in his recovery from a side
strain and will make his comeback in either the rescheduled match
against Bolton at the Emirates on January 20 or the FA Cup tie with
Stoke.
Captain Cesc Fabregas, though, expects to face Bolton on Sunday after his hamstring injury.
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