Monday 3 November 2014 19:55, UK
Calum Chambers admits he could not have wished for a better start to his Arsenal career following a summer transfer.
The 19-year-old arrived at Emirates Stadium with a £16million price tag around his neck and with only one season of Premier League experience behind him at Southampton.
He has, however, slipped seamlessly into new surroundings, with an unfortunate injury to Mathieu Debuchy opening things up at right-back.
Chambers has grabbed his opportunity with both hands, becoming a regular in Arsene Wenger’s back four and earning senior international recognition with England.
He said in the Evening Standard of the start he has made in north London: “It’s gone so well, I’ve got to say thank you to everyone that’s welcomed me in.
“All the staff, the players, they have made it easier to make the transfer from Southampton to Arsenal. They’ve welcomed me with open arms and that has really helped me.
“I’m just happy to play. Wherever I’m put, I will do the best I can. I feel fine, I’m enjoying it.
“I want to push myself and improve my [goal-scoring] tally. Also, I want to get more assists. I’ve got to keep pushing myself throughout the season.
“As a full-back you want to be pushing on more, get a few more goals, assists and get forward more during the game.
“I’ve got to keep pushing myself hard week-in and week-out to improve.”
Chambers has helped Arsenal to keep back-to-back clean sheets in the Premier League over recent weeks, in victories over Sunderland and Burnley, and he is looking for them to be a platform for future success.
He added: “It’s vital to get clean sheets.
“That’s almost as good as scoring. We’re really pleased with the clean sheets we’ve got so far and we’re building up some momentum now.”
