SOL CAMPBELL made a sensational return to Arsenal last night, playing 45 minutes for the Gunners' reserves before announcing that he has signed to remain at the Emirates until the end of the season.

The central defender took to the field at Upton Park, helping the second string to a 4-2 victory over local rivals West Ham. He then revealed that he will agree to remain with Arsenal, thus becoming the first player manager Arsene Wenger has ever re-signed.

Campbell told the Press Association: “There are still a few technicalities to be ironed out, but I have signed for Arsenal until the end of the season, and it's fantastic, great, marvellous. The old enthusiasm is back.”

Campbell has been training with Arsenal since his acrimonious departure from League Two side Notts County after playing just one match for the club.

He has played 73 times for England, and enjoyed a successful period in north London with the Gunners between 2001 and 2006, even scoring in the Champion League final against Barcelona three seasons ago, a game which Arsenal went on to lose 2-1.

Campbell claimed he is ready to the cut and thrust of the Premier League, and could go straight into the squad to face Bolton at the Reebok Stadium on Sunday.

“I'm ecstatic really to be back at Arsenal, and I have worked really hard to get there,” he added.

He also hailed the influence of Wenger. “Arsene Wenger has been an inspiration. He watched me closely after letting me train at Arsenal for nearly two months now.

“He's not stupid – he wouldn't have taken me back if he didn't like what he has seen, and I have worked and worked. I do believe I can contribute.

“I really have my confidence and fitness back and I believe I can make a big, big contribution. There is fantastic quality all around the pitch within this Arsenal team and I want to be part of it, and I will make a big push to try to do that, but it's little steps at a time.”

Campbell's arrival could spell the end for Philippe Senderos, who has admitted that he wants to leave Arsenal.

“I want to go, I want and need to be playing ahead of the World Cup,” the Switzerland international told BBC Sport. “I don't want to play in the reserves, I just want to go.”