Benfica withdraw interest in signing Arsenal forward Joel Campbell

Benfica have withdrawn their interest in Arsenal forward Joel Campbell, according to club president Luis Filipe Vieira.

Campbell, 23, made his long-awaited move to the Emirates Stadium last summer after the resolution of lengthy work permit issues, but failed to impose himself on Arsene Wenger's first team plans.

After just four appearances as a substitute in the Premier League, he left North London to join Villarreal on loan for the second half of the 2014-15 season as part of the deal that saw Gabriel Paulista join the Gunners.

The Costa Rica international's father suggested in June a move to Benfica could be the ideal next move for his son, although it would appear the club have other plans.

Speaking to Portuguese newspaper A Bola, club president Vieira said: "[Anderlecht striker Aleksandar Mitrovic] is not on our radar as a goal for next season. The same can be said for the other players that are repeatedly associated with Benfica, [Joel] Campbell. I'm sure someone is very interested, but he is not in our plans."

Campbell found the back of the net just once during his spell in Spain, and with Arsenal expected to further strengthen their squad for a title challenge next term, his long-term future looks in doubt.

The Daily Mail recently suggested the Gunners will listen to offers of £5m ($7.8m) for the forward. He could be joined in leaving the club by Lukas Podolski, who looks poised to end his four-year spell at the club to join Galatasraray.

The Turkish giants confirmed their interest in the Germany international in late June when sporting director Cüneyt Tanman claimed the 30-year-old was in their sights.

"We are interested in Podolski," he told Turkish television station TRT, as reported by the London Evening Standard.