Arsenal looking at Southampton defender as a potential replacement for Sagna

Arsenal are reportedly lining up Southampton defender Calum Chambers as a potential replacement for Bacary Sagna, according to reports in Daily Mail.

The 19 year old, who has made 19 league appearances, has caught the attention this season after breaking through into the Southampton first team, ousting Nathaniel Clyne from the starting line-up on several occasions.

Sagna is close to agreeing a new contract to remain at the Emirates after months of speculation that he could look to leave the club at the end of the season, with his current deal due to expire, but Wenger wants an alternative option to the Frenchman’s deputy or a replacement if he were to leave.

Arsenal scouts have been monitoring the player for a while now and the report suggests that the Englishman has impressed the Gunners domestic scouting team on a number of occasions and is seen as a long-term successor to current first choice right-back Sagna.

The defender has recently signed an extension till 2017 with The Saints but with the club in a dire financial situation, a reasonable transfer fee for the player would be hard to turn down.

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He made his full debut as recently as August 2012 and has only really begun to establish himself in the second half of this season while doubts remain over whether or not he is ready to play at Champions League level on a regular basis. He is undoubtedly a huge prospect and his assured performances have forced Clyne to spend extended spells on the bench.

His attacking ability have him singled out as one to watch in the Premier League, but he’s also a very solid defender. He has an instinctive aptitude for the role of full-back and there is a raw ability there that makes Chambers a really exciting prospect.

The priority in the transfer window remains an extension for Sagna and if Arsenal could keep the Frenchman, Chambers would be an ideal signing as a long-term replacement. With Carl Jenkinson also in the squad, Chambers could potentially be loaned back to Southampton to continue to learn his trade.

He might not be ready right away, but Chambers will surely be a top-class full-back within a few years. If they can keep Sagna to bridge the gap, Arsenal would be wise to get in early and beat the competition to the punch. He would cost the Gunners £10 million plus, but I feel Wenger would be happy to fork that amount for a great young player.

Should we sign him? Share your thoughts in the comments below.