Were Arsenal right to sell Callum Chambers?

Chambers


By Jonny Bray


When Callum Chambers arrived at Arsenal back in the summer of 2014, many thought he would usher in the end of a period of defensive instability in North London. 


While Arsenal's defence certainly has improved since then, Chambers has had little to do with those improvements. 


He struggled to cement his place in the team during his time at the Emirates, despite such an incredible start to life at Arsenal. 


His great start wouldn't last, and a combination of injuries and a lack of support from senior players during his formative years appear to have scuppered his chances of ever being the first choice at Arsenal. 


So, were the club right to sell him? 


Or will Mikel Arteta look back on this decision with regret if Chambers turns out to be a world-beater under Steven Gerrard at Aston Villa? 


How did his Arsenal career go? 

It's a shame, really, because Chambers offered so much at a time when Arsenal could have challenged for the league. 


It's easy to forget, but he was nominated for the 2014 Golden Boy alongside Raheem Sterling and was also widely praised for his performances in the 2014 Community Shield. 


However, the emergence of Héctor Bellerín limited his opportunities at right-back while the return of Per Mertesacker relegated him to third-choice centre-back. 


His first-team chances became fewer and fewer, eventually leading to a loan move to Middlesbrough after a disappointing start to the 2016-17 Premier League season. 


And things have gone downhill ever since for Chambers, with the best performances of his career coming in midfield for Fulham during the 2018-19 season. 


He finally seemed to be getting his career back on track as 2019 came to a close, but he ruptured his ACL and, as a result, missed the rest of the season. 


Chambers Villa


What will he offer Villa? 

The strange thing with Chambers is that he's performed well whenever he's had the opportunity to play consistently. 


His Arsenal career started well. He played well for Fulham, and whenever he's been the first choice, he's put in some solid showings for the Gunners.


He was even named Man of the Match in the 3-3 draw against West Ham as recently as back in March 2021. 


So, I think it would be rash to suggest that Chambers can't have an excellent career at a fantastic club like Villa. 


He's now got the experience he didn't have before. He's versatile and can actually win games with a moment of ecstatic quality. 


But the problem is this all depends on him staying fit and getting consistent first-team opportunities. 


Have Arsenal made the right call? 

Taking everything into consideration, it certainly appears to be the right call from Arsenal.


Villa is a great club and will suit Chambers down to the ground while this allows Arteta to bring in younger defensive cover with even more potential. 


With Arteta's transfers so far immediately impressing at the club, there's no reason why fans shouldn't trust him to make the right call here again. 


And to make things even better, it's not like Arsenal will miss Chambers' versatility, as Takehiro Tomiyasu can play across the back four and in midfield. 


In short, Chambers has been incredibly unlucky in key moments during his Arsenal career. 

But it's time for him to move on and for Arsenal to find a young, exciting defender to take his place.


Photo Credit: Getty Images

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