• Premier League

Chambers completes £16m Arsenal switch

Calum Chambers impressed for Southampton last season © PA Photos

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Arsenal have confirmed the signing of Calum Chambers from Southampton in a deal which could rise to £16 million.

The defender has completed a long-term deal and becomes the club's fourth signing of the summer following the arrivals of Alexis Sanchez, David Ospina and Mathieu Debuchy.

Manager Arsene Wenger earlier admitted his capture of the defender could be seen as a gamble.

Chambers, who made 25 appearances for Southampton, told the club's official website: "It was an opportunity that I couldn't turn down. Arsene Wenger is a fantastic manager and everyone can see that. To get the opportunity to work with him will be amazing.

"They are a team I have much admired for their playing style, and a team who have been one of the top sides in Europe for many years. I'm looking forward to joining up with my new team-mates today and beginning preparation for the season ahead.

"I would like to take this opportunity to say thank you to everyone at Southampton FC for everything they have done for me and for making this move possible."

Arsenal manager Wenger added: "We are very pleased that Calum has agreed to join us. The way he adapted to the Premier League last season with Southampton at a young age shows that he has tremendous quality."

"He has a lot of the attributes that we look for in a young player and I am sure that he will do well with us."

Great to meet chambers1995 and looking forward to working with him. #afc #coyg http://t.co/UaTd4ACkGN

— Theo Walcott (@theowalcott) July 28, 2014

Chambers follows an illustrious list of names to graduate from the Southampton academy that includes Gareth Bale, Adam Lallana and Theo Walcott.

Walcott showed his support for his new team mate, tweeting: "Great to meet chambers1995 and looking forward to working with him. #afc #coyg

I would like to take this opportunity to say thanks to everyone at @SouthamptonFC for everything they have done & for making this possible.

— Calum Chambers (@CalumChambers95) July 28, 2014

Southampton executive director Les Reed told his club's website: "We are naturally disappointed whenever any of our academy graduates leave the club, and that is very much the case with Calum's departure.

"Calum made it clear to us that he did not see his future at Southampton. As such, it was crucial that we were able to negotiate a substantial fee that also reflects the work our staff have put into Calum's development since he joined the club at the age of eight.

"We have an abundance of talent in the academy coming through, and everybody at the club is continuing to work hard on bringing in quality new players as we build a team capable of taking us further forward in the coming seasons.

"It is important in the transfer window to remain calm, resilient and above all patient. We have targets, and we are working hard to get them across the line."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd