Arsenal are reportedly in continuous discussions with Crystal Palace as they look to cash in on the services of versatile centre-back Calum Chambers. The England international spent the previous campaign on loan with Middlesbrough where he racked 24 appearances in the top-flight.
According to The Guardian, the Eagles have discussed the possibility of a loan and a permanent deal for Chambers, but their initial offer of £16m plus add-ons has been knocked back by the north London club.
The 22-year-old starred for the England Under-21 side during the recent European championships in Poland, where he was preferred ahead of fellow Gunner Rob Holding in the starting lineup, but he does not appear to hold a similar position at the Emirates.
As a result, he is more than prepared to move on but the deal could be delayed by a couple of days with both the Gunners and Palace confident of sealing a suitable agreement.
Manager Frank de Boer has apparently identified Chambers as an ideal fit for his 3-4-3 setup, and he could become the club’s third summer signing after Ruben Loftus-Cheek (on loan from Chelsea) and Jaïro Riedewald, whose transfer is subject to third-party issues.
Chambers joined the Gunners from Southampton for an initial £16m in 2014, and he has since managed 59 appearances across all competitions.
He still has two years on his Gunners deal, but a stay may not be beneficial if he is to push for a spot with the national team ahead of next year’s World Cup.
Chambers has just three caps to his name with England – all coming in 2014, and a consistent showing next term would encourage his slim chances of making the showpiece tournament in Russia.
