Kevin Campbell: Former Arsenal, Nottingham Forest, West Brom and Everton striker Kevin Campbell dies aged 54

The news comes two weeks after it was announced that he was in hospital with a serious illness. He made 521 appearances in his career and scored 149 goals before retiring from the game in 2006.

Campbell, who was born in Lambeth in 1970, rose up through the academy ranks at Arsenal and broke into the first-team of the Premier League outfit as a youngster. He then went on to play 213 games for the London outfit, finding the net on 59 occasions.

He won the First Division, FA Cup, League Cup and European Cup Winners’ Cup during his early career with the Gunners.

Arsenal have posted on X: “We are devastated to learn that our former striker Kevin Campbell has died after a short illness. Kevin was adored by everyone at the club. All of us are thinking of his friends and family at this difficult time. Rest in peace, Kevin.”

Campbell left his familiar surroundings of Highbury for the first time in 1995 to join Nottingham Forest, where he would spent three years.

His former Forest teammate Mark Crossley has said: “Life can be so cruel at times. Absolutely devastated with news of my ex-Forest teammate Kevin Campbell’s passing: a true gentleman, a great player, a shining light of a dressing room, fun-loving guy, thoughts are with all his family and friends.”

Trabzonspor came calling in 1998 and provided him with the opportunity to life abroad. However, he stayed in Turkey for only 12 months before returning to England with Everton.

Campbell was a hit with the Toffees and scored 39 goals in 151 outings in all competitions. He then ended his playing days at West Brom.

After hanging up his boots, he delved into the football media world and was a regular pundit on television. His son, Tyrese, is now a footballer after following in his father’s footsteps.