Arsenal youngster could be handed first-team promotion after surprise transfer announcement

By all accounts, Calum Chambers' move from Arsenal to Aston Villa has taken many by surprise.

On Thursday night it was announced that after seven-and-a-half years, the versatile defender's time at the Emirates Stadium came to an end with him joining Steven Gerrard's side for an undisclosed fee.

"Calum Chambers has joined Aston Villa in a permanent transfer for an undisclosed fee," a statement read on Arsenal's official website. "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.

"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.

"The transfer is subject to the completion of regulatory processes."

Chambers becomes the 10th Arsenal player to depart this month and is the second permanent departure from the first-team following Sead Kolasinac's move to Ligue 1 outfit Marseille.

Furthermore, the 27-year-old is the fourth senior central defender to have left the club at some point this season.

With William Saliba, Konstantinos Mavropanos and Pablo Mari on loan at Marseille, Stuttgart and Udinese respectively, it means Mikel Arteta's options at the heart of defence are limited.

Whilst Chambers has barely featured this season, he did provide cover at right-back, central midfield and would have been the fourth-choice central defender behind Gabriel Magalhaes, Benjamin White and Rob Holding for the remainder of the campaign.

Now, it's possible that Arsenal will be