Calum Chambers has spent the season out on loan from Arsenal with Middlesbrough, and a decision will now need to be made on what path to go with for the coming campaign.
Rob Holding has stamped his mark down on a first-team squad place in the newly-favoured 3-4-2-1 formation, alongside the ever-consistent Laurent Koscielny, while Shkodran Mustafi, Gabriel Paulista and Nacho Monreal have shared a role in the side.
There could well be space for Chambers to put down a marker for the third centre-back role in the side, but I’m not sure Arsene Wenger, nor Calum himself will believe he is ready to usurp Mustafi or Monreal for a starting spot.
Everton are believed to be keen on a deal for the former Southampton defender, although that deal is supposedly a back-up to a move for Burnley’s ever-impressive Michael Keane, although both Manchester United and Chelsea have also been linked with the former Red Devil.
Chambers is currently away on international duty with the England Under-21 squad as they aim for glory in the European Under-21 Championships in Poland, and his performances in the competition may well be his last chance to show Wenger he is up for the task of playing under him this term.
The 22 year-old is under contract in North-London until 2020, so another loan deal could be a possibility if Wenger believes he still has the potential, albeit without being ready yet, but he is already falling way behind Holding, and his sale would bolster our finances as we look at a busy transfer window.
Does Chambers deserve to be in our squad for the new season? Has Holding ended his hopes of ever being a regular starter?
Pat J