Is Calum Chambers Arsenal’s desired hybrid right-back?

Can Calum Chambers Stop Arsenal Spending in the Summer Transfer Window?

Sample size. It’s all about sample size. Well not everything, but it’s imperative that initial thoughts are kept tempered by quantity, not quality.

Against Slavia Prague Chambers was fantastic during that remarkable spell in the first half. He provided Rob Holding with a passing option as a right wing-back, accompanied Thomas Partey in midfield when Smith Rowe pushed forward to form a front four and switched into the right-back of a back four when Arsenal were out of possession.

Some his play during that period was excellent, having a hand in all three goals Arsenal scored in the first half. His pass into Alexandre Lacazette, from a midfield slot, kick-started the move in Nicolas Pepe’s opener, then his first time lofted ball through to Emile Smith Rowe was the beginning of the penalty win, and finally his lovely dancing feet – again in midfield – set Bukayo Saka off to net the third.

https://twitter.com/CalumChambers95/status/1382813427815567367

He knows the role well from his time at Fulham; he knows the right-back part well from his time with Southampton and, of course, Arsenal.

But it comes back to sample size and the lack of pace.

Chambers is a fantastic option to have for certain fixtures, those that call for structural fluidity and where such an approach can hurt the opposition. We’re yet to see it consistently aside from the last three Premier League outings, but early signs are positive.

Is he the elite option Arsenal need to push on? That’s the debate, and one argued when considering some of the Gunners sides Chambers has been unable to be involved regularly during his time in north London.

On recent form alone, and for flexibility, he warrants a stay at the club. Having that option, albeit so frustratingly lacking in one or even half a yard of extra pace, is of high value to the side, something Arteta knows well.

Going to push Arsenal into the ‘next’ stage? No, but he will be a supporting act that can be called upon with confidence. He’s only getting better too, so what’s to say no?