The 21-year-old defender becomes the latest addition to Aitor Karanka’s squad having been dropped following Arsenal’s 4-3 defeat by Liverpool in their opening fixture of the season.
A full England international, who can play centrally or at right-back, joined the Gunners from Southampton for £16m in 2014. He has made 59 appearances for the Gunners both at right-back and at the centre of defence and sometimes in midfield.
Chambers would certainly strengthen Aitor Karanka’s back four and would provide competition for Antonio Barragan at Emilio Nsue at right-back as well as Ben Gibson, Dani Ayala and Bernando Espinosa in central defence.
Calum heads to Middlesbrough for the opportunity to gain further first-team experience in the Premier League.
A statement on Arsenal official website read:
Everyone at the club wishes Calum well for his time with Middlesbrough.
Whereas Aitor Karanka, manager of Middlesbrough praised Calum Chambers for choosing the club. He said:
I’m really pleased,
It’s a position where we’ve been working towards bringing the right player in.
We haven’t been in a hurry because Calum was the player we were waiting for, and he’s going to help us a lot.
I’d like to say thank you to him because we know he had another offer, but he wanted to come here. That’s important and we’re looking forward to working with him.
Chambers, when asked about the transfer, said:
(I’m) excited about the season ahead and can’t wait to get going.
https://twitter.com/CalumChambers95/status/770699678505639936
Chambers is Boro’s 11th signing this summer, with the Premier League club bringing in goalkeeper Victor Valdes, striker Alvaro Negredo and midfielder Marten de Roon among others.
With Mertesacker contract ending next year and Chambers gaining ample first team oppurtunities, he could be a worthy successor to the World cup winner.
Wish you have a great year ahead Chambo! All the best.
