Arsenal have reached an agreement which will see highly-rated Costa Rica international Joel Campbell join the club.

It is understood that the Gunners will part with a fee of just under £1million for the 19-year-old forward.

Campbell has made just three senior appearances for Deporivo Saprissa, one of Costa Rica's top clubs, but has already caught the eye of many European scouts.

His potential is clear for all to see and he was included in his country's squad for the 2011 Copa America.

He scored his first international goal in a 5-0 victory over Cuba at the Gold Cup and followed that up with an assist in a 2-0 victory over Bolivia at the Copa America.

Campbell was unable to prevent Costa Rica from slipping out of that tournament at the group stage, but he left Argentina with his head held high.

Arsenal have moved quickly to see off the competition for his signature and have a $1.5million (£930,000) deal in place.

Juan Carlos Rojas, president of Deporivo, confirmed the agreement to DNA Radio and said the transfer would be 'very beneficial to both Campbell and Costa Rican football'.

The youngster is set to take part in the U20 World Cup later this month, giving him another opportunity to impress.

It is expected that Arsenal will then send him out on loan as he has not played in 75 per cent of Costa Rica's games.

He is, however, considered to be an exciting prospect for the future and Arsenal have seen off interest from Italy and Spain in securing his services.