While at 35 he admittedly has his best days firmly behind him, it would be extremely naive to suggest the defender is an entirely spent force.
For Arsenal, Campbell will offer a wealth of experience, as well as much needed back-up for the regular central defensive partnership of William Gallas and Thomas Vermaelen, especially if, as expected, Philippe Senderos makes his long awaited exit from the Emirates.
In a side captained by 22-year-old midfielder Cesc Fabregas, Campbell, a former Gunners skipper himself, will also provide an extra voice in the dressing room and will seek to inspire the club's current batch of youngsters to glory.
Though he won't be a regular fixture in the side, when called upon Campbell will certainly add steel to Arsenal's often vulnerable back-line and as a free transfer, despite his wages, he represents good value for money.
Added to that, Campbell will far from lack motivation and will undoubtedly be eager to answer his critics following his ill-fated spell at Notts County earlier this season.
The most notable qualm from fans has been his lack of pace, but in Gallas, Clichy and Sagna, Arsenal's defence isn't struggling in that department and Campbell's physical presence may give their backline an extra dimension against notoriously direct sides such as Stoke and Bolton.
In terms of breaking into the England squad his chances may be limited, but with Phil Jagielka, Rio Ferdinand, Jonathan Woodgate and Joleon Lescott all suffering with injuries at the moment, if Campbell can prove he can still cut it at the top level he could just force his way into the reckoning. Maybe even in a similar back-up capacity to that he is set to experience at Arsenal.
After all, it is difficult to ignore a player who has experienced World Cup football twice before and has 73 international caps to his name.
- Gareth Burton
Source: DSG
