Among the transfer activity of Arsenal this summer, there has not been much focus given to the situation of contracts at the club.
Today, the Gunners have announced that one of the players has gotten an extension and that happens to be Calum Chambers. The center back who joined the club in 2014, has decided to extend his stay at the club by a few more years.
The defender took to Twitter to reveal his delight on signing a new deal:
“Delighted to have signed a new deal at @arsenal! I want to give my very best to this great club. Thanks to the new manger for showing faith in me and I’m looking forward to the big season ahead! I promise to repay the fans back for the support they’ve given me! #COYG”
Chambers is one the players to have caught the eye of new manager Unai Emery, who has been impressed with the defender.
Emery sees him as someone who is going to be crucial to the success of the team. Speaking to Arsenal’s official website, this is what he had to say:
“I’m delighted Calum has extended his stay with us. He played an important role last season and will be part of my plans this season.”
Although the contract of Chambers had some years remaining in it, the club has chosen to extend it. This is a show of faith by the Gunners as it shows the place that he has at the club. And with the retirement of Per Mertesacker and the injury suffered by Laurent Koscielny, he will be expected to play a bigger role this season.
In the matches that Chambers did play, he showed his ability in defense as well as with the ball. His ability to play forward passes was a particular feature of his performances. Perhaps this season will be the one where he goes on to become a mainstay for the Gunners.
When news came that Chambers was going to sign an extension, not everyone was happy as shown by the reaction of former Arsenal player Perry Groves. But, the overall perception is that, he is sure to reach greater heights.
The defense is one area where Arsenal need to focus a lot on if they are to succeed. With the signing of Sokratis, they have gone some way in plugging that gap. And when you add young talents such as Chambers and Rob Holding to the mix, there is something there to be genuinely excited about.
