Everton offer Arsenal misfit Joel Campbell chance of winter exit?

Everton, 7/4 chances with Coral to finish in the Premier League’s top six again, could offer Costa Rica frontman Joel Campbell a way out of Arsenal, with Roberto Martinez reportedly ready to splash £7m on securing his services in the January transfer window.

The weekend tabloids claim the Toffees are seeking extra forward options to cover Kevin Mirallas’ injury and to replace the ageing legs of South African winger Steven Pienaar. Versatile 22-year-old forward Campbell, who caught the eye during his country’s sensational run to the World Cup quarter-finals in Brazil, fits the bill.

With only three senior out-and-out strikers, Samuel Eto’o, Arouna Kone and Romelu Lukaku, on the books at Goodison Park, and Steven Naismith now favouring supporting roles off the front or from wide areas, Campbell could bolster the ranks on Merseyside.

Ivory Coast international Kone has been linked with a return to La Liga side Levante this winter to help revive his career after serious injury, and because his former club are embroiled in a relegation battle.

Chelsea loanee Christian Atsu has failed to make much of an impact at Everton, leaving Aiden McGeady to complete the forward options. At the Gunners, meanwhile, the deadline day signing of Danny Welbeck has pushed Campbell and Lukas Podolski down Arsene Wenger’s pecking order.

Theo Walcott has also returned to action following a knee ligament injury, meaning he, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Alexis Sanchez are all pushing for roles in the Arsenal attack. While Olivier Giroud remains sidelined by a broken ankle, Wenger may be reluctant to let any forward players leave the Emirates.

If the Toffees can tempt Campbell away, then they will be a host of clubs from around the continent chasing his signature. Martinez can offer the direct Costa Rican attacker Europa League football at Goodison, with Everton 16/1 shots to lift the trophy.