According to Mirror, Arsenal are open to offloading Calum Chambers in this January transfer window. The ex-Southampton star has been identified as one of many defenders who are expected to leave Emirates soon, with the list including the likes of Shkodran Mustafi and Sokratis. The Gunners are preferably looking for loan offers, with a view to a permanent exit, perhaps in the summer.
Calum Chambers’ Steady Decline At Arsenal
Calum Chambers’ spell at Arsenal has been a disappointing one, to say the least. Joining from Southampton as a long-term defensive prospect, the 25-year-old has never really managed to establish himself as a key player for the Gunners.
The versatile defender did become a key figure in the first-team, for a brief period last season, under Unai Emery and later, Freddie Ljungberg. He even started against Everton in what was Mikel Arteta’s first game in charge of Arsenal. But unfortunately, Chambers’ progress was marred by an ACL injury that ruled him out for the rest of the campaign.
The former Southampton man has been out this season as well, with the player yet to make a single appearance in the Premier League. Overall, he has mustered only 110 minutes of competitive football, all of which have come in the UEFA Europa League.
Does Chambers Have Any Future At Arsenal?
It appears obvious that Chambers has fallen down the pecking order in the Arsenal first-team this season. The abundance of centre-backs available at the disposal of Mikel Arteta at the moment does not favour him at all.
Although Sokratis and Mustafi are both tipped to leave Emirates, the 25-year-old still has to compete with the likes of Pablo Mari, Gabriel Magalhaes, Rob Holding and David Luiz, all of who are considered to be in Arteta’s plans.
The Spaniard thus have the adequate depth required to shuffle his defensive pack and compete in multiple competitions during the second half of the campaign. It could make things quite difficult for Chambers, who certainly doesn’t have a future at the Emirates. A move elsewhere could thus make a world of sense.
A loan move to a Premier League club like Sheffield United or West Bromwich Albion, in particular, could prove to be quite beneficial not only for the player but also for the club. In fact, Chambers was linked with a move to Leeds United in the summer, so it will be interesting to see what the future holds for the defender this month.
