Arsene Wenger Confirms Calum Chambers Signing

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has confirmed the signing of Southampton youngster Calum Chambers, but it has not been officially announced by the club yet.

According to Goal, the Gunners boss was impressed by the England youth international's ability to play at various positions. However, he admitted that even though it is a gamble, he is willing to take it as he has high hopes for the player in the future.

Reports in the Express reveal that, Arsenal have beaten off competition from Premier League rivals Liverpool, who were also interested in the young defender.

Chambers, usually played at right-back for the Saints, but is said to be comfortable at centre-back and midfield as well. It looks like Wenger views him as a central defender in the long run.

"He can play at centre-back, right-back and central midfield. I hope he will give us competition for the players in these three positions," Wenger said, as quoted by Goal.

"He hasn't played many games, no, but the English players on the market in England are very expensive and at the end of the day I was ready to take a gamble because he is a player for the future," the Frenchman added.

The arrival of the versatile defender could see the Gunners' current backup right-back Carl Jenkinson, depart from the club, with Steve Bruce and Hull City interested in taking the player on loan for the season.

The 19-year-old defender will become Arsenal's fourth signing of the summer following the arrival of Alexis Sanchez from Barcelona, Newcastle United's Mathieu Debuchy and goalkeeper David Ospina from Ligue 1 club Nice.

The Guardian reports that Chambers is set to be unveiled as an Arsenal player on Monday and the fee is said to be in the region of £11m.