Arsenal Striker Joel Campbell Wants First Team Role Upon Return from Loan

Arsenal striker Joel Campbell has indicated through his agent he will not return to the club this summer if he has to settle for a spot on the substitute's bench.

The 21-year-old is currently enjoying a loan spell at Greek champions Olympiakos, who are preparing for a Champions League clash with Manchester United this month.

Having aided his side with seven goals this term, the Costa Rica international has become accustomed to having a first team role and would have no intention of returning to north London if Arsene Wenger is not prepared to hand him a similar position in the Gunners' squad.

"His future at the moment is a matter for discussion between the two clubs," Campbell's agent Joaquim Batica was quoted as saying by Tutto Mercato.

"It was difficult for Joel to go to a top club like Arsenal from the beginning. But now he is happy in Greece. Would he return to London? He would not be happy sitting on the bench, even at a big club."

Arsenal signed the striker in 2011 but were unable to obtain a work permit for him, forcing the club to send him out on loan to Ligue 1 club FC Lorient on a season long loan. A spell at Real Betis followed last season as the Gunners awaited paperwork to be confirmed and while Campbell was granted a work permit to play in England last summer Wenger sanctioned a third loan move to Olyimpiakos.

However, Campbell's future at Arsenal is likely to come under further scrutiny when his loan spell in Greece expires. The Gunners, who were held to a 0-0 stalemate by Manchester United on Wednesday night, are likely to be in the market for another striker at the end of the summer after failing to add a goal scorer to their squad during the January transfer window.

With France Under-21 international Yaya Sanogo also closer to the first team than Campbell, the Costa Rican's spell in north London could end before he even makes a professional appearance for the club.