Villarreal loanee Joel Campbell uncertain about future at Arsenal despite January deal

Joel Campbell has admitted his future at Arsenal is uncertain even though the Costa Rica international signed a new deal at North London just before his loan move to Villarreal during the January transfer window.

The 22-year-old joined Arsenal in summer 2011 as a prospect for the future but was sent on loan to Lorient, Real Betis and Olympiakos during three consecutive seasons in order to continue his development.

Arsene Wenger decided to bring him back to North London after he attracted his attention during the World Cup 2014, helping Costa Rica reach the last 16 phase.

But the French boss eventually overlooked him during the first part of the campaign and let him move on loan to Villarreal until the summer to secure more regular time as part of the deal that saw centre-back Gabriel Paulista move in the other direction on a permanent basis.

At the same time Wenger committed Campbell's long-term future to the club just before the loan by signing a new deal with him.

However, recent reports claim that Arsenal are considering to cash-in with him this summer or even include him as part of some new deal.

Asked about his future during an interview with Radio RMC, Campbell said: "I renewed with Arsenal but in football you never known. After my [summer holidays] I will have to return to Arsenal."

Questioned about his decision to leave the Emirates Stadium on loan during the January transfer window, he added: "I started the season [at Arsenal] with plenty of confidence after the World Cup but there was too much competence there. I was not going to have the playing time I wanted so I opted to go on loan to keep growing."

Campbell has since started 14 La Liga games at Villarreal while over the weekend he gave his side three crucial points to reach the Europe League after scoring his first goal of the campaign in the 1-0 victory over Elche.

"It was an easy goal to score but very important for the team. I feel really well. [Manager Marcelino Garcia Toral] has given me much confidence. I am playing every weekend and I am very happy."