Arsene Wenger says Calum Chambers will be allowed to go out on loan this season should Arsenal complete an expected signing at centre-back.
In the absence of Per Mertesacker, Gabriel and Laurent Koscielny, the England under-21 international started the first game of the season against Liverpool, however, he subsequently dropped to the bench for the 0-0 draw at Leicester.
With Shkodran Mustafi expected to sign a long-term contract in the coming days, the decision has now been taken to help Chambers find first team experience elsewhere.
Asked whether the young centre-back’s future at Arsenal is in doubt, Wenger said: “His [long-term] future? No. The fact that he could go out and play somewhere [on loan], yes.”
Chambers joined the Gunners from Southampton for £16 million in 2014 and immediately impressed in the heart of defence, going on to make 36 appearances in his debut season.
Gabriel’s arrival from Villarreal in January 2015 signalled a change in fortune for the defender who was pushed down the pecking order and had to make do with a few starts as back-up to Hector Bellerin at right-back.
Wenger also touched on the future of Joel Campbell who this week completed a loan move to Sporting Lisbon; his fifth temporary move in five years as a Gunner.
“I believe he’s a victim of the size of the squad. He’s now of an age where he needs to play more regularly.
“I don’t rule out that he comes back here and plays. He’s gone to Sporting and I think it’s an interesting championship; Portugal always has an interesting championship so let’s see how it goes for him.”
Makes perfect sense.
Agreed. I wonder if Fonte goes to Man Ure, would Southampton be a good place to loan Chambers assuming he’s staying in the top league? I’d like to think a top league team would be in for him.
If Debuchy goes and Chambers goes who is the cover for Hector?
Probably Holding, Jenkinson when he’s fit.
Jenks and mustafi
Mustafi and holding can play there. As well ad we have Jenkinson though injured.
I think Coquelin has played full back before as well. Doesn’t seem to be a proper back up right back though other than jenkinson who is injured.
Talking about list of players who had previously played full back for us, Aaron Ramsey has played at RB. Though he have to seriously curtail his ambition to bombard the penalty box.
Kallstrom used to fill in as full back in France…
I’m pretty sure that was left back………in the treatment room…. I’ll fetch my coat…
Ox at RB (blows bugle)
Flamini.
Heh heh
Victim of the size of the squad. Or victim of not being British or an Arsene favourite?
People need to stop jumping on bandwagons and start thinking analytically. Wenger is a rational human being like most of us. If he weren’t then he wouldn’t have got his first coaching job. Instead of jumping to conclusions lets try to break things down. What is a squad? A group of players participating in a tournament e.g. League. Players have individual strengths and weaknesses. A team’s aim is to amplify those strengths and cover the weaknesses in both attack and defence. Therefore, team balance is crucial in achieving the right result. On to Joel Campbell: his style is very technical:… Read more »
Dude you’ve illustrated a great sense of maturity in how you analyze issues at hand..not that I even understood all that you’ve talked about.
He really needs to progress as a player. I hope he gets a Premier League club playing regularly.
True, I thought we were well and truly on the lookout for full back reinforcements early on in the summer. Left back (with Gibbs to go on loan or permanently) and a Right Back. Strange how that has gone all quiet…
I really hope we don’t injure Mustafi or Perez when we give them a medical -_-;;
Comment of the day ??
It’s best for him. He is capable of achieving great success with us, but only with playing time in a consistent position under his belt.
You need three quality centre-backs in your squad a la Adams, Bould and Keown. With Mertesacker and Koscielny aging and Gabriel really not good enough in my view, there is every chance that Chambers can return stronger and form a new long-term trio with Mustafi and Holding.
Young players need to play to really develop and I think that goes especially for defenders. It’s an art and requires defenders to play together regularly to get a true understanding built up. I hope he goes somewhere where he gets regular games in a tough league. The Championship would not do him any harm.
loan him to Italy. always loan defenders to Italy. we will take care of ’em.
And all this fuss about Mr.Welllerrrr losing his mind? Two signings on the way and sorting out our fringe. I’ve just got me coat!
As I mentioned, not sure what people are smoking (see above) Its not a zero sum game. The loan will give both players playing time. Calum is still very young, Campbell may be in the shop window. But should they sparkle on loan, we can still retain option to return them into the fold. We have plenty of options in the team : CF – Giroud (Perez), (Welbeck) RW – Alexis Iwobi LW – Ox, Walcott, Gnabry AM – Ozil, Ramsey CM – Santi, Jack DM – Granit, Coquelin UM – Elneny RB – Bellerin (Debuchy?) LB – Monreal, Gibbs… Read more »
With ozil, santi, iwobi, ox, coq, xhaka, elneny, wilshere all capable of playing midfield, we should unload Ramsey while he still has value.
/downvote barrage in 3…2…
Totally agree.