Ex-Arsenal star Sol Campbell to become a Gunner again?

Sol Campbell is looking likely to step back into an Arsenal shirt. He has been hanging around the footballing wilderness as a free agent after being released from his five year contract at Notts County after just a month or so. League Two football clearly wasn’t right for the big man, and after eating up column inches in the back pages of the tabloids about where he will end up, it looks as if he will sign with his old team Arsenal, at club at which he spent 5 years. This is something of a surprise, as age is not on Campbell’s side, but he turned out for the Gunners reserves, playing 45 minutes, and now the speculation is that he will be signed as cover for the Arsenal defence.

Clearly this would be no long term signing, but can his experience add something to the Gunner’s charge for the title. Campbell won the Premier League twice in his spell at the North London side, and Championship leaders Newcastle looked favourite to sign him at one point. But it seems as if he is going back to the scene of some of his most successful football. Arsene Wenger is still full of praise for Campbell, especially about his commitment and passion for the beautiful game. Whether he is fit enough to play 90 minutes in the Premier League will be Wenger’s call of course, but that is not a role for which he will be signed.

Campbell will be a stop gap in covering for the main core of the Arsenal back four, which is William Gallas and Thomas Vermaelen. Philippe Senderos has been sending out not-too-subtle signs that he wants to leave the Emirates, so Campbell will add some cover if that is happen during the January transfer window. Campbell, on a short term contract, would probably be cheaper than Wenger going shopping for a starting centre-half, which is something the Frenchman is not too keen on doing. He doesn’t often go flashing the cash around. It buys him time to let some of  his youngsters develop further.

But it is with the Arsenal coaching team that Campbell has been training, since his short lived tenure at Notts County. He is undoubtedly a presence and can bring some valuable international experience, and a winning attitude to the Gunners. Arsenal’s next Premier League match is on Sunday at Bolton. Just how much difference will Campbell make if he does sign? Arsenal have a tie against FC Porto in the First Knockout Stage of the Champions League and sit third in the Premier League, just three points behind leaders Chelsea. This is a great opportunity to look at Arsenal now, and some special bets that you can pick up on them from around the many online bookmakers. How much could the presence of Campbell affect these outcomes?

Premier League January 17th
Bolton to win: 11/2 at Paddy Power
Draw: 3/1 at Bet365
Arsenal to win: 4/7 at SkyBet

Arsenal to Win Premier League:
9/2 at BetFred

Arsenal to Win Champions League:
10/1 at Coral

Next Arsenal Permanent Manager (at Victor Chandler)
Martin O’Neill – 10/1
Guus Hiddink -12/1
Jose Mourinho – 12/1
Boro Primorac – 16/1

Trophy Multiples
No Trophies – 4/9 at Paddy Power
Win a Major Trophy – 7/4 at Coral