Sol stays, say Gunners

Arsenal have insisted Sol Campbell is committed to staying at the club and has not requested a transfer away from Highbury.

Club officials issued a statement after defender Philippe Christanval, who was not given a contract after a trial with the Gunners, was quoted in French newspaper L’Equipe claiming Campbell had “asked to leave“.

However, although the defender has admitted having words with Arsene Wenger after missing out on an FA Cup final place last season, the club insist he remains happy at Highbury.

The statement, released on the club’s website, www.arsenal.com, stated: “Reports today stating that Sol Campbell has asked to leave the club are mischievous.

“Sol has not requested a move away from Arsenal and, as Arsene Wenger stated only recently, Sol is part of his plans.

“Sol’s focus right now is to get back to full fitness and help the team compete for silverware this season.”

Campbell is ruled out of Sunday’s Premiership game against Chelsea with a calf injury and is also set to miss England’s World Cup qualifiers against Wales and Northern Ireland next month.

However, he was this week reassured by Sven-Goran Eriksson that he remains part of the England manager’s plans, while Wenger recently indicated he would recall the 30-year-old to the Arsenal side when fully-fit.