Former Arsenal and Everton striker Kevin Campbell has died aged 54.

‌Arsenal led the tributes on social media, posting: “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.”

Everton added: “Everyone at Everton is deeply saddened by the death of our former striker Kevin Campbell at the age of just 54.

“Not just a true Goodison Park hero and icon of the English game, but an incredible person as well – as anyone who ever met him will know. RIP, Super Kev.”

Campbell’s management company wrote: “Wow this one really hurts. Rest easy KC a true friend and gentleman. Thoughts with Kevs 2 boys and the rest of his family.”

Former team-mate Mark Crossley penned: “Life can be so cruel at times. Absolutely devastated with news of my ex forest team mate 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. RIP mate.”

Campbell made over 540 professional appearances during his two-decade-long career while finding the back of the net on 148 occasions.

Best known for his spells as an Arsenal and Everton player, Campbell was a much-loved figure at both clubs.

Joining Arsenal as a schoolboy in 1985, he quickly made a name for himself in the academy, with Campbell scoring a whopping 59 goals in a single season.

An FA Youth Cup winner with the Gunners in 1988, Campbell made his first-team debut against future employers Everton that very same year.

Over 200 games in the red and white of Arsenal followed, with the London-born goal-machine winning five major honours during his time at the capital club.

That included the Gunners’ 1990/91 First Division title win, alongside the 1993/94 Cup Winners’ Cup triumph.

A move to Nottingham Forest followed, with Campbell continuing his prolific goal-scoring form by helping return the East Midlands-based outfit to the Premier League in 1997/98.

A less successful stint at Turkish side Trabzonspor followed, all before Campbell joined Everton on loan midway through the 1998/99 season, helping keep the Toffees in the division.

The Merseyside outfit made his move permanent that summer, paying £3million for his services.

Revered for his time as a Toffee, Campbell scored the winning goal away at Anfield during the 1999/00 season – a result that remained Everton’s last away win against Liverpool up until the 2020/21 campaign.

Campbell stayed at Goodison Park until 2005, when he left for West Bromwich Albion, before later joining Cardiff City on a short-term deal.

Following his retirement as a professional in 2007, Campbell worked as a pundit, appearing on broadcasts covering the Premier League and Champions League.

Campbell leaves behind a son, Tyrese, who is a professional footballer for EFL Championship side Stoke City.