Arsenal wrapped up the signature of Southampton youngster Calum Chambers earlier today and added to the misery of the saints. Chambers becomes Arsenal’s forth signing of the summer in what has been an incredible window so far.
The 19-year old English defender makes the switch on the back off an incredible season with the Saints making 22 first team appearances apart from earning his U-19 cap with the national team. As per reports, the Gunners have paid an incredible sum of £16m for the defender, which goes upto to prove his potential. Although, he is one for the future, his versatility will only mean that he can get more first team chances than Arsenal fan Carl Jenkison, who is rumoured to leave the club permanently with Hull City poised to make a move.
Predominantly a right back, Calum Chambers has the ability to play at center back, left back and at times even as a Central midfielder. Given that Debuchy will effectively replace Sagna at right back for the first team, Chambers can effectively play as a backup/rotational player for the next couple of season, before taking the starting berth permanently.
Talking about the new signing, Wenger said:
“He hasn’t played many games but the English players on the market in England are very expensive, at the end of the day I was ready to take a gamble because he is a one for the future.
“He is a player I wanted because I rated his quality and intelligence. He is only 19 and can play at centre-back, right-back and central midfield. I hope he will give us competition for the players in those three positions.”
“We are very pleased that Calum has agreed to join us. The way he adapted to the Premier League last season with Southampton at a young age shows that he has tremendous quality. He has a lot of the attributes that we look for in a young player and I am sure that he will do well with us.”
The very fact that Wenger was prepared to break the bank for a youngster, tells the potential that he sees in the youngster and given Arsenal’s success from the business’ they have had with Southampton previously, Chambers will be a welcome addition to the club.
Checkout Calum Chambers first photo shoot with the club