The agent of Joel Campbell has revealed that the 22 year old Arsenal starlet wanted to leave the Emirates Stadium this summer after shining for Costa Rica at the summer’s World Cup, as reported by the Daily Express.
There were considerable links in English newspapers suggesting that Campbell was on the cusp of moving away from north London this summer, having failed to make an impact since joining the club several years ago as a youngster.
The club he was most heavily linked to was Benfica, who looked to capitalise on Arsene Wenger’s doubts and secure a season long loan spell.
His agent, Joaquim Bata, has revealed that Fiorentina were the only side to make a formal bid for the Costa Rican international this summer, although AC Milan also made an enquiry.
He said: “I received many phone calls from Italy.
“Joel really likes Milan and Roma, so he wanted a call from either of those two clubs. There was contact with the Rossoneri, while the Giallorossi thought of him as an alternative to Destro in case of a sale.
“The only club that really made an offer in Italy was Fiorentina, even if at the end of the day they didn’t agree terms.”
Campbell starred for Olympiacos while on loan at the Greek side last season, scoring a famous goal against Manchester United in the Champions League.
