Post by †Smithy† on Jul 30, 2006 13:48:45 GMT -1
Marseille keen to sign Campbell
Campbell made 197 appearances for the Gunners
Marseille have confirmed their interest in signing England and former Arsenal centre-back Sol Campbell.
The 31-year-old was released by the Gunners at the start of the month after five years at the club and says he is keen to move abroad.
"We have a list on which there are a lot of players' names," said Marseille president Pape Diouf.
"Sol Campbell is one of them. His defensive qualities are exceptional. We are interested in him."
Marseille play in France's top division and will also compete in the second qualifying round of next season's Uefa Cup after coming through the third round of the Intertoto Cup.
But Diouf said there was still some way to go for the club to reach a deal for Campbell.
"We cannot say at the moment that the contacts are strong enough between him and Marseille to say he will be with us next campaign," he said.
Campbell, who was part of England's squad for the recent World Cup finals in Germany, had a mixed final season with the Gunners.
He stormed out of Highbury after being substituted at half time against West Ham in February, which raised concerns about his future in the game, but he then went on to score in the Champions League final defeat at the hands of Barcelona in May.
Last week, he told the News of the World that a move abroad would help him move "my football into a new realm".
"There are clubs interested in Italy, Spain, Germany and here at home but there is nothing finalised," he said.
Campbell made 197 appearances for Arsenal after arriving on a free transfer from local rivals Tottenham in 2001, and has won 68 England caps.
Campbell made 197 appearances for the Gunners
Marseille have confirmed their interest in signing England and former Arsenal centre-back Sol Campbell.
The 31-year-old was released by the Gunners at the start of the month after five years at the club and says he is keen to move abroad.
"We have a list on which there are a lot of players' names," said Marseille president Pape Diouf.
"Sol Campbell is one of them. His defensive qualities are exceptional. We are interested in him."
Marseille play in France's top division and will also compete in the second qualifying round of next season's Uefa Cup after coming through the third round of the Intertoto Cup.
But Diouf said there was still some way to go for the club to reach a deal for Campbell.
"We cannot say at the moment that the contacts are strong enough between him and Marseille to say he will be with us next campaign," he said.
Campbell, who was part of England's squad for the recent World Cup finals in Germany, had a mixed final season with the Gunners.
He stormed out of Highbury after being substituted at half time against West Ham in February, which raised concerns about his future in the game, but he then went on to score in the Champions League final defeat at the hands of Barcelona in May.
Last week, he told the News of the World that a move abroad would help him move "my football into a new realm".
"There are clubs interested in Italy, Spain, Germany and here at home but there is nothing finalised," he said.
Campbell made 197 appearances for Arsenal after arriving on a free transfer from local rivals Tottenham in 2001, and has won 68 England caps.