Southampton have joined Newcastle in the race to sign Arsenal defender Calum Chambers as they eye up Virgil van Dijk replacement
The England Under-21 star enjoyed a successful spell on loan at Middlesbrough last season despite Boro being relegated back to the Sky Bet Championship
SOUTHAMPTON will rival Newcastle for Arsenal centre-back Calum Chambers as the Saints target a replacement for Virgil van Dijk.
The 22-year-old is currently excelling in Poland in the Under-21 European Championship, and will be likely be shipped off on loan again this summer.
He impressed on loan at Middlesbrough last season despite Boro being relegated from the Premier League, and Arsene Wenger is keen for the England international to get much-needed game time.
Chambers, who was sold by the Saints for £16million in 2014, could be heading back to St Mary's with van Dijk likely to depart the South Coast this summer.
Liverpool hold a firm interest in the Dutch star with Southampton holding out for around £70million, while Antonio Conte has reportedly offered £60m for the 25-year-old.
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According to the Chronicle Live, the Magpies are also desperate to bring the talented defender in, while they also hold an interest in Ben Gibson and Ryan Shawcross.
Chambers would be limited to a handful of first team opportunities at the Gunners next season, with Laurent Koscielny, Shkodran Mustafi, Rob Holding, Gabriel and Per Mertesacker all ahead in the pecking order at the Emirates.
However the latter has recently suggested he could retire from the game after revealing he is "mentally wasted" after an injury-ridden campaign.
Calum Chambers will be looking to shine once again for his country when Aidy Boothroyd's men take on Germany's Under-21 side in the semi-final on Tuesday evening.