Calum Chambers has signed for Aston Villa on a permanent deal in a move that has surprised most people.

Calum Chambers via Aston Villa
Calum Chambers via Aston Villa

With all the attention focussed on Arsenal incomings, Calum Chambers was something of a forgotten man, but the defender has now signed for Aston Villa.

Chambers, 27, has signed a three-and-a-half year deal with Villa. I’m led to believe that Arsenal will receive no fee for the defender, who cost Arsenal £18.1m. Given he was out of contract in the summer, the club are happy to get his wages off the books.

Chambers told the Aston Villa website, “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.”

Arsenal said, “Calum Chambers has joined Aston Villa in a permanent transfer for an undisclosed fee.

MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - AUGUST 28: Calum Chambers of Arsenal cuts a dejected figure following the Premier League match between Manchester City and Arsenal at Etihad Stadium on August 28, 2021 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Catherine Ivill/Getty Images)
MANCHESTER, ENGLAND – AUGUST 28: Calum Chambers of Arsenal cuts a dejected figure following the Premier League match between Manchester City and Arsenal at Etihad Stadium on August 28, 2021 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Catherine Ivill/Getty Images)

“Joining us from Southampton in July 2014 as a 19-year-old, Calum soon became a full England international, having previously starred for the Under-21s.

“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.”

In other news that came on Thursday evening, Viktoria Schnaderbeck has joined Spurs on loan.

https://twitter.com/ArsenalWFC/status/1486761757636968453?t=fXx7lAWn2KCRUEJsghcAAg&s=09

Arsenal fans surprised by Calum Chambers move to Aston Villa

When Arsenal broke the news on Thursday night that Calum Chambers has signed for Aston Villa, most Arsenal fans were surprised:

https://twitter.com/akarsenalnews/status/1486790850747191299

https://twitter.com/topgooner100/status/1486790300584525826

https://twitter.com/youngemz99/status/1486789937232064518