Calum Chambers will become a centre back or midfielder as Arsenal as Arsene Wenger looks to the future after signing £12m man

• Chambers signed from Southampton in £12m deal that may rise to £16m
• Wenger impressed with the 19-year-old's versatility and intelligence
  
• Chambers has played most of his games for Southampton at right back
• Wenger played an integral role in signing Chambers
  

By Sami Mokbel for the Daily Mail

Published: 11:46 EDT, 28 July 2014 | Updated: 11:47 EDT, 28 July 2014

Arsene Wenger wants to groom new-boy Calum Chambers into an Arsenal middle man.

The Gunners have completed the signing of the right-back from Southampton in a deal that could reach £16million.

Chambers, 19, made the breakthrough at St Mary's as a right-back, where he competed with Nathaniel Clyne for a starting spot.

Versatile: Calum Chambers can play at right back and centre back which impressed Arsene Wenger

Young hope: Calum Chambers impressed for Southampton last season despite only being 19 years old

Fiery: Calum Chambers gets a ticking off from referee Mark Clattenburg last season

But Wenger feels the teenager has the attributes to play through the middle - as either a centre-back or defensive midfielder.

Wenger feels Chambers has the technical ability and intelligence to be shifted inside and wants to nurture the youngster in that mould in the coming months.

The Frenchman has already held extensive discussions with his coaching team about his plans for Chambers.

The Arsenal manager was at the forefront of the club's move for Chambers, having identified the youngster as a target towards the end of last year.

Speaking over the weekend Wenger said: 'He hasn't played many games but the English players on the market in England are very expensive.

'And at the end of the day I was ready to take a gamble because he is a player for the future.

'He is a player I wanted because I rated his quality and intelligence, he is only 19 and can play in different positions as well.'

Composed: Calum Chambers nicks the ball away from Leighton Baines during a game against Everton

Heading for the top: Calum Chambers climbs above Glen Jonhson in a show of his aerial prowess

Young gun: Calum Chambers has represented England at U19 level