Keeping Chambers beyond this summer would make sense
There are several decisions that need to be made at the Emirates Stadium when the summer arrives. Whether to extend the contract of David Luiz, Mohamed Elneny and Alexander Lacazette. Whether to move on the likes of Granit Xhaka, Reiss Nelson, Joe Willock, Hector Bellerin and Ainsley Maitland Niles. Whether to loan out the likes of Folarin Balogun and Miguel Azeez.
One of the less talked about issue is whether to keep or sell Calum Chambers.
The 25-year-old joined Arsenal way back in 2014, after Arsenal won their first trophy in nine years under Arsene Wenger. Arsene Wenger once hailed his “immense qualities” as a player.
The Frenchman was so determined that the Englishman would prove his worth at Arsenal, that he rejected two bids around £20m from Leicester City in 2017.
Even the next manager, Unai Emery, was pleased with his attitude. Then, when Arteta arrived at Arsenal, he told the reporters that he had a clear vision for the defender at the center-back position.
However, those visions vanished into thin air when the then 24-year-old ruptured his Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) in the match against Chelsea in December 2019, which was only Arteta’s second match in-charge.
Moving to the present climate at the Emirates, if Arsenal do intend to raise funds, it should come in the form of Rob Holding and Hector Bellerin. Chambers preferred position is the center-half, but he can play at right-back as well as a defensive midfielder.
The defender has replaced Hector Bellerin superbly, with quality displays against West Ham United, and more recently against Sheffield United.
What did you make of Calum Chambers yesterday?
Touches (100), pass completion (86.6%), ball recoveries (6), interceptions (2), tackles (1), clearances (1) pic.twitter.com/UV9DEeqAFn
— AFTV (@AFTVMedia) April 12, 2021
With Arteta’s preference for versatile players, keeping Chambers would be a rational decision.
Since being re-introduced to the first team picture, the 26-year-old has given consistent performances at a position which is not his preferred.
If he is given a run of games, there is no doubt that he can look even better. But with a year left on his current deal, Arsenal may have to make some harsh decisions.
But If they do hold onto the former Southampton player by extending his contract and favouring him over Holding, then it would make sense for any sensible Arsenal fan.
Definitely, because he’s homegrown, hardworking, good in aerial duels, versatile and possesses some good skills. He’s just slow, but he’s a perfect defensive player if he doesn’t need to go forward frequently
GAI- while I agree he does not have the pace of Bellerin, he showed against West Ham that he can deliver very good balls into the box when he does go forward. It didn’t show as much against Sheffield Utd and again last night, but defensively he is sound, and as you say, very versatile.
I’ve always rated him as a player, and it would be madness not to keep him as he offers us far more than most squad players
Yup, his crosses are excellent. I’m just traumatized by his pace against Jefferson Montero from Swansea and other speedy wingers, when Wenger still managed Arsenal
But he always works his socks off and never hides from aerial/ ground duels, so his contract should be extended. Arteta’s excellent positional play is suited to Chambers’ abilities
Afternoon GAI & PHIL
He has been plauged by injury for a long time
He’s not best but he seems to wear his heart on his sleeve and gives everything.
Not as good going forward as other but we pay him to defend first and attack after which he seems to do
He won player of the season at Fulham as a dm
Pretty versatile and in my opinion would be good for us going forward
Only 25 as well but seems to have been around for an age
Won’t cost a fortune in wages
Still buzzing from last nights display
Well done boys for making my week so good
Onwards and upwards
@Ab08- yeah pretty difficult to argue with any of what you have said. He is a very good professional and did his hard yards on loan at Middlesbrough and Fulham so deserves the praise he’s getting. He defends well at RB and as @Grandad suggested earlier he and Holding have that old fashioned English defensive quality that is not always there with some imports.
A very good squad player if we can give him the minutes. But will that be enough to keep him?
He maybe slow but he works hard, pass and cross well
We need experienced squad players tooo
when injuries comes in, he will be good
Chambers is the 3rd RB and 5th CB.
On a low salary + low profile.
One of the 8 Home Grown quota.
Probably extend by one season. 2023
Definitely extend his contract, he’s the best right back we’ve got. And no, he is not favoured over Holding, he plays along side him! Let’s not forget that Chambers was also Fulham’s player of the year at DM when on loan there.
Exactly Declan, he has excelled at all positions deployed in so far rill date… A hardworking utility player is a priceless jewel at this difficult period Where cash is a major issue for our club
More than deserved, should be played zs CB with Holding. but in 3 back defense we lock it all up.
No Luiz, no Willian, all ovrr sudden we finding a balance and our pleadant football…
I really want to see him in DM, I think he would be very good.
– Homegrown
– reasobable salary
– not old
– verstaile
– never made stupid comments
– a good player
– and club won’t get Mega money for him
I think this is a no brainer. I first wanted him to be sold as he seemed to be the odd man out as he never played despite being fit.
But now that he has given the chances, he’s been tremendous!
He’s experienced, peak age, homegrown, low salary, apparently quite happy to be at Arsenal and being a squad player. Tie him up!
I think he could make a great 2nd choice RB, 5th choice CB and a makeshift DM if really needed. This would mean Cedrid being sold (which I’m fine with) and Bellerin as well – for new 1st choice RB.
The most underrated player at Arsenal and now he’s playing on a regular basis he will only get better. It might not be his preferred position but having a right back who can actually defend is just what we need. There is also no way we should get rid of Holding another underrated player who I can’t believe Southgate hasn’t brought him into the England squad if he’s not a better player then Dier I’m a chinaman
If they stay fit, Chambers and Holding have roles to play for Arsenal as Arteta reshapes his squad.They are both decent centre backs, and Chambers versati!ity will most certainly appeal to Arteta as he has adapted very well to a more conventional role as RB.The main strength of Chambers and Holding in my opinion is their great attitude towards defending and a resilience to tough it out when the going gets tough.They may not be pacey but in most other respects they are very decent defenders.
Earn, not quite? He may get one out of conveinence for the reasons stated above. Bellerin will likely be off too, which will leave a spot open. We’d be foolish to rest on our laurels with Cedric and Chambers, but totally possible unfortunately.
OT.. Pre-season friendly @Ibrox July 17
Just like the old days Sue.
Just like the old days Sue.
I won’t be against Arsenal extending Chambers’ deal at the club. Say, by a 3 year extension. For, I see no any other reasons in him other beside the slow pace he has that should make me be against Arsenal extending the deal of the 26 year old versatile Arsenal defender. Who can play efficiently in 3 outfield positions.
But I thinl his current playing form resurgence could have something to do with his whistling and wanting his contract extended by the next summer. Well yes.. More so, if he continues to push his game hard for Arsenal as he’s been pushing it since he’s returned from his injury sideline.
And push in a very big way for Arsena in their remaining 10 games in all competitions this season that will see him play a big role defensively to lead or co-lead Arsenal to have a top-four or top-six place PL table finish to the season: i can’t see why should Arsenal not extend his deal at the club in the summer.
But seeing the club extending it for him when they switch ON to next summer transfer window.
But rightnow, I think the club are still in the campaign MODE of picking up a European football ticket to either play in the UCL next season through by finishing in the PL top-four place this season. Or by winning the ELC this season. And or get a PL top-six table finish this season to play in the ELC next season. Right?
So therefore, Arsenal have not yet switched ON to next summer transfer MODE to start players transfer/contract deals I would like to think and believe. Us should remember that many Arsenal on loan players such as Saliba and Willock will return to the club in the summer to stay? Well, I don’t know.
But AMN, Guendouzi, Torreira could all be sold next summer to leave the club. But will Arsenal sell Bellerin to fund Odegaard transfer from RM to Arsenal next season, or still keep Bellerin who they should and still pursue the signing of Odegaard? Well, I wouldn’t know what Arsenal may decide to do on this issue. But hopefully, they’ll take the correct decision.
I won’t be against Arsenal extending Chambers’ deal at the club. Say, by a 3 year extension. For, I see no any other reasons in him beside the slow pace he has in him which shouldn’t be an impediment to make me be against Arsenal extending the deal of the 26 year old versatile Arsenal defender. Who can play efficiently in 3 outfield positions.
But I thinl his current playing form resurgence could have something to do with his whistling and wanting his contract extended by the club next summer. Well yes! More so, if he continues to push his game hard for Arsenal as he’s been pushing it since he’s returned from his injury sideline.
And push it in a very big way for Arsenal in their possible remaining 10 games of he season in all competitions that will see him play a big role defensively to lead or co-lead Arsenal to have a top-four or top-six place PL table finish to the season: if this happens by him for Arsenal this late end to the season’s campaign, i can’t see why Arsenal should not extend his deal at the club in the summer.
But seeing the club extending it for him when they switch ON to next summer transfer window.
But rightnow, I think the club are still in the campaign MODE of picking up a European football ticket to either play in the UCL next season through by finishing in the PL top-four place this season. Or by winning the ELC this season. And or get a PL top-six table finish this season to play in the ELC next season. Right?
So therefore, Arsenal have not yet switched ON to next summer transfer MODE to start players transfer/contract deals I would like to think and believe. Us should also remember that many Arsenal on loan players such as Saliba and Willock will return to the club in the summer to stay? Well, I don’t know.
But AMN, Guendouzi, Torreira could all be sold next summer to leave the club. But will Arsenal sell Bellerin to fund Odegaard transfer from RM to Arsenal next season, or still keep Bellerin who they should and still pursue the signing of Odegaard? Well, I wouldn’t know what Arsenal may decide to do on this issue. But hopefully, they’ll take the correct decision.
Chambers has shown over his time at the club that he is a good player to have in the squad. His versatility will probably never see him lock up one position, but with our injury record he can cover the back line as well as DM if called upon.
Honestly, can’t think of too many players that can step in and deliver to cover for injuries better than Chambers. Calm, composed, reads the game very well, and good decision maker. Also seems a good teammate which also carries weight.
If he is content with his role at the club then I say lock him up with an extension, but if he chooses to leave and be a starter with another club I don’t blame him.
Now that appears that he has fully recovered from his injury, Chambers home grown status, age, versatility, wage and steadiness justify his retention. As far as speed of foot is concerned, speed of thought can make up for his lack of pace.
Agree Chamber’s versatility and current performances merit a contract extension but why on earth would OP suggest we sell Holding to raise funds?
I was utterly flummoxed…Most ridiculous statement I’ve heard since Covid raged…
I for one see Holding and Mari as our 1st choice defensive pair for some years to come..
When Gabriel sorts our his issues he can replace Mari..But holding goes NOWHERE!..
Arsenal Legend in the making..
Why opposing holding and chambers ? I guess arteta likes both. English, hardworking and very good friends… He already got rid of sokratis and mustafi (should have done it this past summer instead of losing a year more on salaries on him as we even paid for him to go). If luiz is not extended that would not make too much defenders
You forget We can recall Saliba..
And you forget that Luiz’s contract is expiring…
If I remember correctly we bought Chambers as a right back. He is very tenacious and will keep us strong at RB, along with Cedric, when Hector leaves in the summer. Yes he is definitely worth a new contract.
Sean, you are correct; he was a RB at Southampton when sold to Arsenal and played DM at Fulham, rated their player of the year, although they were relegated that season.
Calum Chambers is another player I would not offer a contract to until the end of the season. I caution again, our last two wins were against very average opposition, I understand the euphoria over the way we played, but I would prefer to judge us against say, Man United, should we both reach the UEL final! I also think Martinelli, and possibly Balogun should play more before the end of the season, to see how they go, I think it would help Arteta decide what holes/gaps he needs to fill in the off season!!
I say now is the right time to sell, few good games under his belt would’ve increased his value a little
A little thought required Oyama.Bellerin is likely to depart and on the basis of your suggestion , we would be left with one senior RB in Cedric, who was recruited as a back up.How much would we get for Chambers?Who would you replace him with? And what would that replacement cost?Time for a rethink perhaps?
There’s also AMN coming back and we could use the funds to fund an upgrade