by ‘Ifreke Inyang

Arsenal has completed a deal that will see Calum Chambers join the club from Southampton for a fee around 12m rising to 16m.

Chambers, 19, featured 22 times for the Saints in the Premier League last season and put in impressive performances.

The defender is also a very versatile player, as he can play right-back, centre-back and in midfield. Arsène Wenger expressed his delight at the Englishman’s arrival.

“We are very pleased that Calum has agreed to join us,” he said. “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.”

Chambers, who is expected to make his Gunners debut this weekend at the Emirates Cup, 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.

“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.”

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