Fulham Close In On Versatile Arsenal Defender: More Quality At The Back

According to Sky Sports, Calum Chambers is on the verge of completing a season-long loan move to Fulham, subject to a medical today. The former Southampton starlet signed a new four-year contract extension with Arsenal last month but will be shipped on loan to the newly promoted Premier League side.

It is believed that Arsenal head coach Unai Emery is not happy with his current crop of defenders. As a result, the Spaniard is keen on removing unwanted players in order to make way for a new signing before the transfer window slams shut on Thursday evening.

Player stats and attributes

Chambers is advertised as a utility defender, who can not only feature as a fullback but can also be accommodated in the centre-back position.

Aside from that, he’s a sharp tackler, who is not afraid to get involved in dangerous duels and is overall, a committed defender, who can potentially become an asset to any mid-table Premier League outfit.

Despite featuring in just 12 matches last season, the former Southampton prodigy notched up over 2 tackles per game as well as over one interception and one block on an average. He is also not afraid to bring the ball out of defence and is mostly successful while doing so But his ability to win aerial duels is arguably his biggest asset as he acquired a tally of over 2 duels won per game.

He will definitely have to improve on his chance creation and overall contribution to the build-up play having averaged only 0.2 key passes per game last season.

Why Fulham need Calum Chambers?

Calum Chambers will be an excellent addition to Fulham, who, despite splurging a lot of money in the market this summer, have failed to reinforce their defensive department for the start of the season.

New signing Alfie Mawson is not expected to be fully fit before September, which has left head coach Slavisa Jokanovic devoid of options. In fact, former Nice defender Maxime La Marchand and Tim Ream, who lacks experience in top-flight football are the only reliable options for the Serbian mastermind.

Thus, the addition of Chambers will definitely come as a boost. The Arsenal starlet has an ample amount of experience in the Premier League and shouldn’t find it difficult to settle into his new club.

Moreover, a move to Fulham also makes sense for the player himself, whose chances of making a breakthrough into the Arsenal starting eleven were close to none. Overall, Jokanovic has made a smart choice and Fulham are expected the player will also relish the opportunity to play regularly and prove his detractors wrong.

Stat courtesy: Whoscored