Wrexham to continue transfer raid with plot to sign ex-Arsenal star

Wrexham are planning a surprise bid for former Arsenal defender Calum Chambers, talkSPORT understands.

The centre-back, who spent seven seasons at the Emirates before making a permanent move to Aston Villa in 2022, could be poised to join newly-promoted Championship side Wrexham for the 2025/26 campaign. 

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Chambers, 30, swapped Villa for Cardiff City just last summer, spending one season in the Championship before facing relegation for the first time since 2003.

He could soon climb his way out of League One however, joining north Wales side Wrexham as they enjoy their campaign in the second-tier of English football for the first time in 43-years. 

Chambers bagged two goals in 41 appearances from Cardiff’s backline last season and was announced as the club’s new captain earlier in August. 

Before his departure in 2022, he made 122 appearances for Premier League giants Arsenal after a promising youth career at Southampton.

He struggled to find a regular spot in the Gunners’ squad, however, spending time on loan at Middlesbrough and Fulham. 

He, again, found life in the Premier League tough with Villa, failing to impress manager Unai Emery.

Chambers spent more time on the bench than on the pitch during his spell in the West Midlands and looked set to leave the club long before his eventual move to Cardiff in July 2024. 

While life in Wales certainly seemed more fruitful for Chambers, a season in League One might be less appealing.

He played a crucial role during Cardiff’s 2024/25 offering – both in midfield and in defence – reviving his career after falling out of favour at previous clubs. 

Speaking ahead of his side’s 0-0 draw with Port Vale last week, Chambers admitted that he was ‘buzzing’ to kick off the season. 

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“The style that we’re playing and the identity we have,” he said. “It works amazingly with the group and the players that we have. I feel there’s a real identity about us and a path for us going forward in the way that we want to play. The vibe around the place is really good. 

“It was really nice [to be named captain]. When I found out, it’s a nice feeling that the players think that way of you. 

“It’s a new challenge and a new role for me. I’ve not had it before. I feel I’m at a time in my career which is a good time for it. It’s like a new challenge for me, so I’m looking forward to it.” 

Wrexham’s big summer overhaul

It’s been an incredible journey for Wrexham, who were gracing the National League in 2022. 

Their rapid-growth has been partly attributed to the takeover of Hollywood owners Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney in 2021- taking the clubs value up to £150m, a 7,400% increase since their arrival. 

Stadium expansions, documentary deals and an increase in fans across the world, Wrexham have transformed their output from a local side to a global phenomenon. 

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Reynolds and McElhenney have created a domino effect of celebrity owners across the football world, with NFL icon Tom Brady becoming a minority owner of Birmingham City.

Their meteoric climb has allowed them to pen deals with the likes of Kieffer Moore, Conor Coady and Lewis O’Brien already this summer, splashing almost £13m to bolster their squad. 

That was before they smashed the club’s transfer record to sign Nathan Broadhead from Ipswich Town in a deal worth £10m – tripling their previous record deal.

Chambers would join a backline that consists of Coady, Lewis Brunt and 23-year-old academy graduate Max Cleworth.

They faced a tough start to the 2025/26 campaign, losing 2-1 to former Premier League side Southampton who were relegated with seven games remaining of 2024/25. 

Wrexham return to action tomorrow when they host West Brom at the SToK Cae Ras stadium.