Former England U19s captain Calum Chambers has become the latest player to leave Southampton, after joining Arsenal for a reported fee of £16m.
The 19-year-old right-back completed a medical and agreed personal terms with the Gunners over the weekend before the move was finalised on Monday morning.
Chambers captained England U19s last season
Chambers broke into the Saints first team last season, making 18 Premier League starts at St. Mary’s Stadium, as well as being a regular for the Young Lions under former boss Noel Blake.
He has signed a five year deal with the north London club and follows the likes of Theo Walcott and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain in making the familiar path from the Saints academy to the Emirates Stadium, where manager Arsene Wenger is hoping his versatility will make him a worthwhile addition to the Gunners squad.
"He can play at centre-back, right-back and central midfield, I hope he will give us competition for the players in these three positions," revealed Wenger.
"He hasn't played many games, no, but the English players on the market in England are very expensive and at the end of the day I was ready to take a gamble because he is a player for the future."
Chambers told Arsenal.com: "I am so happy to be signing for Arsenal. They are a team I have much admired for their playing style, and a team who have been one of the top sides in Europe for many years. I'm looking forward to joining up with my new team-mates today and beginning preparation for the season ahead.
"I would like to take this opportunity to say thank you to everyone at Southampton FC for everything they have done for me and for making this move possible."
Chambers will be competing with France star Mathieu Debuchy and England Under-21s right-back Carl Jenkinson for a place in the Arsenal team, as well as hoping to win himself a place in Gareth Southgate's Under-21s squad.
