Chambers set for Middlesborough move!
With Arsenal set to sign Shkodran Mustafi from Valencia in a £35 million deal, it means that one current defender on Arsenal’s books is going to find his place in the first team squad drop down the pecking order. With Koscielny, Mertesacker, Gabriel, Chambers and Holding to choose from as considered first team centre backs, it is Chambers who is reportedly set to make the transfer away, following on from Mustafi’s signing. It is understood that Wenger would prefer for the youngster to get some time away from the club on loan, rather than sit in the reserves.
According to Sky Sports, it is understood that Calum Chambers is set to join Premier League newcomers Middlesborough on loan for the season. Chambers will join Boro in a move that I think will be very beneficial for the Englishman, given that the defender has shown that he needs to gather more experience from regular playing time if he is to be in with a chance of success at Arsenal. Middlesborough could be the perfect fit for Chambers given that although they could be relegation candidates at the end of the season and it’ll be a tough fight, that Chambers will have it in his hands to ensure that they don’t slip down the bottom half of the table.
At Boro’ Chambers will get regular playing time for the season, whilst also picking up plenty of experience playing up against the league’s most competitive strikers in a defence where he could be a key man. At Arsenal Chambers would very much be a stop gap for a game or two whilst a leader of Koscielny or Mertesacker takes charge, but at Middlesborough Chambers could be set to be commanding himself.
I think the move is positive for all parties, my only concern is that with Mertesacker and Gabriel currently out injured for a few months at least, one more injury in defence could see Arsenal struggle for centre backs once again. It is highly important therefore that Arsenal include a condition where Chambers can return to North London, should the Gunners need him.
By AH