Calum Chambers opens up on 'perfect' Aston Villa transfer and makes Arsenal admission

Aston Villa defender Calum Chambers has opened up about the reasons behind his January transfer, which saw him complete a free transfer from Arsenal to Villa Park.

Chambers, 27, has started eight games since arriving with standout performances coming against Southampton, Leeds United and Burnley. Although his place in the squad hasn't been guaranteed, when called upon Chambers has been a vital and reliable asset to the squad.

His most recent appearance came in the final home game of the season against Burnley, where he was a standout performer as previously mentioned. A knee injury keeping Ezri Konsa out for up to 16-weeks has ended his season prematurely but also pathed a way back into the starting 11 for Chambers, where he excelled.

In 90 minutes on Thursday evening he recorded a 91% pass accuracy, two key passes, four tackles, won 100% of his ground duels and registered one clearance. It was a performance that outlined not only his solid defensive input but also his calmness and ability within possession of the ball.

The free transfer has been another piece of shrewd business by Villa, who were able to complete a similar deal for Chambers as they did for Danny Ings regarding the secrecy of the deal until it was announced. Speaking to Sky Sports, Chambers has outlined the details of the deal which he admitted happened 'pretty quickly'.

He said: "It moved pretty quickly. I was at that point in my career where I wasn't getting a chance at Arsenal and it felt like I needed to move on and have a have a fresh start.

"Then in January the opportunity came up to come to Villa and as soon as I heard that I remember thinking: 'Wow, what an opportunity to come to a club like this'.

"I needed a new challenge, something fresh.