Arsenal are one of the most active Premier League clubs in the dying days of the summer 2016 transfer window. After making two new signings, the Gunners have allowed one of their young stars in Calum Chambers to join domestic competitors Middlesbrough on a one-year loan deal.
Newly promoted Middlesbrough have signed 21-year-old Calum Chambers from Arsenal on a one-year loan, according to Sky Sports. This is the 10th signing that the Boro have made the summer, as manager Aitor Karanka hopes to keep the club in the Premier League after they made it back to the top tier after a gap of seven years.
Middlesbrough have been undefeated so far in their return to the Premier League. The opened their season with a draw against Stoke City, followed by a win against Sunderland. They played out a goalless draw against West Brom last week, and the arrival of Chambers will further boost the morale.
The former Southampton player started for Arsenal in their 4-3 opening day loss to Liverpool, but has been overlooked in favour of new signing Rob Holding since then.
Wenger will now also have the added option of German International Shkodran Mustafi, after he joined from Valencia, and Gabriel Paulista is also expected to return from injury next month.
Chambers joined Arsenal from Southampton in 2014 for a transfer fee believed to be a potential £16 million. His debut season was a success, with the 21-year-old making 36 appearances for the Gunners in all competitions. He put in some impressive displays, and was even nominated for the Golden Boy award for 2014.
However, Chambers primarily played as a right-back, and he lost his place in the team following the emergence of Spaniard Hector Bellerin.
He has since been utilized mostly as a center-back, but failed to break into the starting XI this past season. He made only 12 Premier League appearances in 2015-16, and has been ignored by the England national team as well.
The move to Middlesbrough could be the chance for Chambers to revive his career. This could well be Arsene Wenger’s final year as Arsenal manager, and any future manager could hand his Gunners career a lifeline should Chambers impress with Middlesbrough.
