Gerrard told he has fashioned ‘perfect’ Aston Villa scenario as signing learns where he fits in hierarchy

Aston Villa have been praised for their surprise signing of Calum Chambers from Arsenal by a former player – who does not necessarily think the defender will be an instant starter.

Villa were one of the busiest clubs in the summer transfer window and they were active again in January. To strengthen Steven Gerrard’s squad, they completed deals for Philippe Coutinho, Lucas Digne, Robin Olsen and Calum Chambers.

The last of those deals was a surprise, since there were no rumours of it before it was announced. Chambers ended up signing a contract until 2025 at Villa Park. It brought an end to a long stint with Arsenal, where he was a backup player.

He has now been warned he faces a similar situation in terms of his standing in the pecking order at his new club. However, ex-Villa striker Gabriel Agbonlahor views his signing as a positive one.

“The good thing about Calum Chambers is he’s back up for right-back and back up for centre-back,” Agbonlahor told Football Insider.

“He’ll be fourth-choice centre-half behind Kortney Hause [plus Tyrone Mings and Ezri Konsa] but he’ll be second-choice right-back [behind Matty Cash].

“For Steven Gerrard it’s perfect. He’s not going to kick up a fuss if he’s not playing. He knows he’s not going to be starting if everyone’s fit.

“I think it makes sense for Aston Villa. When you need a fourth-choice centre-half and a second-choice right-back you can’t be spending a lot of money.

“It’s a very clever bit of business from Aston Villa. We needed a bit of cover in that area.”

Chambers effectively takes the role that Axel Tuanzebe was covering before the early termination of his loan from Man Utd in favour of a switch to Napoli.

The 27-year-old will add plenty of experience at Villa, having made