Calum Chambers Joins Aston Villa on a Three-and-a-Half-Year Contract

Arsenal defender Calum Chambers has moved to Aston Villa on a three-and-a-half-year contract. He becomes the fourth signing under new manager Steven Gerrard, following the arrivals of Philippe Coutinho, Lucas Digne and goalkeeper Robin Olsen to Villa Park.

Claum Chambers, Aston Villa — Photo by Mathias Bergeld/via Imago Images

Arsenal began the month aggressively, being linked with numerous targets. It was a known fact that the Gunners were looking to add a midfielder and a striker in the January transfer window, but have failed to acquire any of their primary targets.

Although unsuccessful in signing players, they have been able to lighten their wage bill quite a bit. The North London club have seen the departure of five players in January itself, the English defender being the latest among those to depart.

Calum Chambers joining Aston Villa follows the exit of other members of the squad. Ainsley Maitland-Niles moved to Roma on loan while Folarin Balogun joined Middlesbrough on a loan deal. Sead Kolasinac left for free to Marseille and Pablo Mari signed for Udinese for the rest of the season.

7 years and a lifetime of memories later!! A special thanks to Arsene Wenger for making it possible and all the staff at London Colney 🙏🏼
Last but not least to all the fans that have supported me, you’ve made this experience one to remember!
Calum. pic.twitter.com/co7j5wzljJ

— Calum Chambers (@CalumChambers95) January 27, 2022

The 27-year-old defender joined Arsenal from Southampton. He made 122 appearances for the Gunners, winning the FA Cup with the club in 2015. He also spent two loan spells at Middlesbrough and Fulham, where he won the club’s Player of the Season Award in the 2018/19 season for his defensive midfield role.

He was considered a bright prospect when Wenger signed him in 2014, but he repeatedly failed to establish his credentials. He couldn’t warrant a place in the first-team under Wenger and Emery. Even under Arteta, he was way down the pecking order.

The player was already being linked with an exit from the Emirates, with his contract set to expire in the summer. Soon after his move to Aston Villa, Calum Chambers did his first interview with Villa TV. He said:

“It’s a massive club and they’re in a great moment at this moment in time.

“It’s a very exciting place to be and everyone can see that from the outside. Things are happening here and it’s definitely moving in the right direction.

“For me, it was a no-brainer to join a great club. It was the right thing for me to do.”

Chambers made 122 appearances for Arsenal after joining the Gunners from Southampton in 2014, including several in the Champions League.

“It’s a great club, it’s a massive club. I’ve played at Villa Park a few times and it’s great stadium with a great set of fans,”

“The manager did very well at Rangers. He’s a young, exciting manager and I can’t wait to work with him.”

“It’s a great stage to be joining the club at. The club’s building momentum and it’s an exciting time to be here.

“You can really feel that being in and around the building. You can feel the energy around the place.

“I feel like I’ve joined at a great time and I can’t wait to get started and give it my all.