Arsenals signs Calum Chambers from Southampton

The 19-year-old, described as a "gamble" by
Arsene Wenger, will join the Gunners for an initial
€12 million, rising to €20m, and provide
competition to Mathieu Debuchy
Arsenal have completed the signing of defender
Calum Chambers from Southampton in a deal
worth €20 million.
The Gunners have been chasing the 19-year-old
over the past month and, after agreeing personal
terms over the weekend, the England Under-19
international becomes the fifth player to leave St.
Mary's this summer as the south-coast outfit's
firesale continues.
The teenager, who will cost an initial €12m,
becomes the latest Southampton academy
product to move to Emirates Stadium, following in
the footsteps of Theo Walcott and Alex Oxlade-
Chamberlain.
Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers had also been
keen on bringing Chambers to Anfield, but the
youngster opted instead to sign for the north
Londoners and is excited about the prospect of
working under Arsene Wenger.
Chambers is expected to provide competition and
cover for Mathieu Debuchy, who joined the FA
Cup winners from Newcastle earlier this summer,
and his arrival could pave the way for Carl
Jenkinson to join Hull City.
Wenger has previously hailed Chambers's
versatility, being able to play across the back-line
and in midfield, though admits the signing does
represent a gamble for Arsenal.
"He can play at centre-back, right-back and
central midfield," said the French boss. "I hope he
will give us competition for the players in these
three positions.
"He hasn't played many games, no, but the
English players on the market in England are very
expensive and at the end of the day I was ready
to take a gamble because he is a player for the
future."
Chambers could be joined at the Emirates by
former Saints team-mate Morgan Schneiderlin,
with Arsenal redoubling their efforts to sign the
French midfielder to beat off competition from
Tottenham.