Arsenal complete shock Calum Chambers transfer sale to Aston Villa

Arsenal have announced the sale of Calum Chambers to Aston Villa in a shock permanent transfer for an undisclosed fee.

While the club are desperately scrambling to secure signings this winter, there has been no issue in moving players on with four senior members of the group already departing this month on a variety of deals.

Pablo Mari has joined Udinese, Folarin Balogun has moved to Middlesbrough, and Ainsley Maitland-Niles completed a switch to Roma, all on loans. Meanwhile, Sead Kolasinac had his contract terminated.

This, however, comes as a huge shock given the total lack of knowledge of the deal prior to its announcement. In the meanwhile, Arsenal are keen on Chambers’ new teammate, Douglas Luiz.

Arsenal announce shock Calum Chambers transfer sale to Aston Villa in January window as Mikel Arteta sanctions fifth winter departure

"A statement on the Arsenal website read: “The defender made 122 appearances in all competitions during his time with us, winning both the FA Community Shield on his debut in August 2014 and the Emirates FA Cup in 2015.“Calum also enjoyed two loan spells during his time as a Gunner, at Middlesbrough in 2016/17 and at Fulham in 2018/19, where he won their Player of the Season award for his excellent performances in a defensive midfield role.“We wish Calum all the best for the next chapter in his career and thank him for his contribution to Arsenal over the past eight seasons.“The transfer is subject to the completion of regulatory processes.”"

Nobody saw this coming. Not a soul. And it surely hints that there will be another defensive arrival this winter as the club have allowed multiple defenders to leave them as they hunt for a top four finish in the Premier League.

For those in the midst of counting, this leaves Arteta’s side with the grand total of three central defenders. While it was always thought that Chambers’ long-term future lay elsewhere, the sudden announcement of this deal has taken everyone by surprise.

Even with only one competition left to play in, there is no way the club continue on with this amount of centre-backs, even if Takehiro Tomiyasu can fill in on either side of central defence.

Who said the transfer window is boring?

Importantly, however, we have to thank Calum for his services. An exceptional professional throughout his time in north London, we wish him all the best on his endeavours under Steven Gerrard.

Thank you, Calum.