According to Corriere Dello Sport, as cited by Sport Witness, AS Roma are in the market for Calum Chambers. The Arsenal defender has been identified as an ideal target for the Giallorossi as they look to shore up their defensive options in January. Arsenal are open to offloading Chambers, who himself is hoping to seal an exit from Emirates after struggling with a lack of game-time under Mikel Arteta.
Calum Chambers’ Struggles At Arsenal
Calum Chambers had been a part of the Arsenal side since 2014. He was brought in on the back of an exciting start at Southampton, where he was one of the most talented young defenders in the country.
However, Chambers has never really managed to live up to the expectations at Emirates. The defender has struggled with a lack of game-time and has not featured in more than 2,000 minutes of league football in any particular season in North London.
Under Mikel Arteta, the 26-year-old has only played a bit-part role in the side. Although the Spaniard has opted to keep him in the squad, he has favoured other players such as Rob Holding, Gabriel Magalhaes and Ben White. Even at right-back, Arteta opted to bring in the likes of Takehiro Tomiyasu and Cedric rather than banking his hopes on the former Southampton starlet.
As a result, Chambers has featured in two Premier League games this season, majorly serving as a back-up for the first-choice central defenders. He did start in both those matches, but it simply isn’t enough game-time for him to continue his progress.
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Good Riddance For Arsenal?
It is apparent that Calum Chambers is not valued by Arsenal at all. Despite all his versatility, the Gunners have continued to favour other players, even in the face of an injury crisis.
Hence, a move away from Emirates could make a world of sense for both parties involved. For Arsenal, a January exit should help them gain a small amount of compensation before his contract runs out at the end of the season.
More importantly, for the player, it will give him the opportunity to potentially relaunch his career under the leadership of Jose Mourinho. Although he isn’t expected to become the first-choice regular at Roma, the Giallorossi are facing problems in the right-back department despite the addition of Bryan Reynolds while they may require a useful back-up for the centre-backs as well.
Chambers’ potential move to Rome could thus make sense for all parties involved, as the defender hopes for a revival at Stadio Olimpico.
