28th July, 2014
Arsenal has signed Southampton right-back Calum Chambers in a £12million deal. The highly-rated 19-year-old has only made 23 first team appearances for Southampton but Arsenal have seen enough to recognise his potential.
Chambers becomes the third player after Theo Walcott in 2006 and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain in 2011 to swap the south coast for north London.
Shortly after signing for the London club, Chamber said: “I am so happy to be signing for Arsenal. They are a team I have much admired for their playing style, and a team who have been one of the top sides in Europe for many years.
“I’m looking forward to joining up with my new team-mates today and beginning preparation for the season ahead.”
He added that: “I would like to take this opportunity to say thank you to everyone at Southampton FC for everything they have done for me and for making this move possible.”
A statement by Arsenal manager, Arsene Wenger on the club’s website read: “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.”
Arsenal described Chambers as tall and athletic. Chambers is a versatile youngster who started his career in midfield, but established himself at right back last season and can also play in the centre of defence. He is currently captain of England Under-19s.