Arsenal 'acted in good faith' over Calum Chambers transfer amid FA charge

Arsenal have indicated they will appeal against a charge from the Football Association alleging they broke football agent regulations in relation to the signing of Calum Chambers from Southampton, after claiming they "acted in good faith" over the deal.

The Gunners and agent Alan Middleton have been charged with breaking FA rules and the cases will be dealt with before the end of the month. Both parties face wide-ranging punishments if found guilty.

Middleton has until 17 June to respond to the charge while Arsenal have asked for more time to consider their position, however a statement released after confirmation of the FA action indicates the FA Cup winners are ready to challenge the judgement.

"We have acted in good faith throughout with regard to this transfer," an Arsenal spokesman told The Evening Standard. "We are considering our position and will make appropriate representations to the FA."

Chambers moved to The Emirates Stadium in the summer of 2014 for a reported £15m and has made 61 appearances for Arsenal over two seasons in north London.

Though it is yet unclear what rule of The FA's agent regulations has been broken the charge could relate to the third party which represents Chambers, Cassius Sports Management, for whom Middleton is an agent for.

"Arsenal have been charged for allegedly breaching The FA's Football Agents Regulations," an FA statement read.

"The charge is in relation to the transfer of Calum Chambers from Southampton to Arsenal on 26 July 2014.

"Authorised agent Alan Middleton has also been charged for allegedly breaching The FA's Football Agents Regulations in relation to the same transfer."

Reports in February suggested The FA were investigating the move and when asked about the legitimacy of the transfer Arsenal manager Arsène Wenger responded: "Yes, I am very happy about his transfer. I made over 350 transfers since I am here. We have a lot of enquiries about them and we never had any problem."