Arsenal have officially made their fourth signing of the summer, with 19-year-old Calum Chambers the latest senior acquisition in what has been a very exciting transfer window for the Gunners so far.
The England youth international is a gamble as Wenger mentioned, with reports suggesting Southampton are receiving an astounding £16m for the youngster who hasn’t really featured much for a professional first team yet – playing 22 times in the Premier League last term.
As many have come to learn, he’s a very versatile option. As a defensive minded player, he can play at right back (as seen for Southampton), centre half (where we badly lack depth) and as a central midfielder. This is perhaps his most interesting position.
Chambers revealed Wenger’s vision for him as player upon joining Arsenal.
He said:
He said that he sees me at right-back, centre-back, holding centre midfield. He sees me in a variety of different positions, which I like, because then I can find out where I am best at and push myself as far as I can go in that position.
We need a defensive midfielder for the future, this season we have plenty of options, however when Arteta, Diaby and Flamini’s contracts run out next summer this would have been our main area of investment.
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The youngster who is described as tall and athletic, started his career in midfield however he demonstrated plenty of defensive resilience and attacking prowess down the right flank to provide cover at fullback for the Saints.
If Wenger can mould him into a solid defensive midfielder who can cover at centreback then we will have a very useful player on our hands.
It is important he is focused on one specific position to define the type of player he develops into, and not a Jack-of-all-trades who struggles to find any rhythm in one particular position. (A Phil Jones dig article is on it’s way shortly)
The captain of England Under-19s could have a very long career at the heart of Arsenal’s midfield if he flourishes as well as his hefty price tag suggests. But for the upcoming campaign he may well be left to focus on developing the defensive side of his game at right back to provide cover for Mathieu Debuchy. Especially with Carl Jenkinson looking likely to head for a loan move away, he may however get some action in midfield during the cup games.
Do you think Chambers can be the future defensive midfielder we crave to take over from Arteta? Share your thoughts below..
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