Aston Villa sign Calum Chambers from Arsenal on three-and-a-half year deal

Aston Villa have announced the signing of defender Calum Chambers from Arsenal on a three-and-a-half year deal.

The former Southampton youngster was due to become a free agent in the summer of 2022 and has joined Steven Gerrard's side for an undisclosed fee.

Chambers largely struggled for opportunities in Arsenal's first team this season, making a mere five appearances in all competitions, including two Premier League starts in defeats to Brentford and Manchester City in August.

Roma were tipped to complete a swoop for Chambers at one point, but big January spenders Villa have won the race for his signature, with the 27-year-old penning a deal until the summer of 2025.

"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," Chambers told avfc.co.uk. "For me, it was a no-brainer to join a great club. It was the right thing for me to do."

The three-cap England international follows Lucas Digne, Robin Olsen and Philippe Coutinho through the door at Villa Park this month and leaves Arsenal after registering five goals and 10 assists in 122 appearances for the club.

Chambers won one FA Cup and one Community Shield during his seven-and-a-half year stint in North London, playing the full 90 in the 3-0 2015 victory over Manchester City in the latter.