Arsene Wenger sets out English aim for Arsenal's future

Friday 01 Aug 2014
Wenger wants to build an 'English core' at the Emirates Stadium
Arsene Wenger has outlined his ideal vision for the future of both Arsenal and England following the recent addition of Calum Chambers to his squad.

The Gunners swooped to sign 19-year-old Chambers from Southampton last week and he joins a growing number of young English players at the Emirates Stadium.

England

Calum Chambers joins Arsenal after a good season with England U19s and Southampton

 

With Jack Wilshere, Kieran Gibbs, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Theo Walcott already established in Wenger’s squad and the likes of Chuba Akpom, Benik Afobe, Isaac Hayden, Alex Iwobi and Austin Lipman in reserve, the Frenchman is hoping that can help both club and his adopted country.

"I hope in the future we have a core of the English national team," revealed Wenger, speaking ahead of this weekend’s Emirates Cup competition.

"What we have learned over the past two World Cups is that Spain won it with six players from Barcelona and this time Germany won it with six players from Bayern Munich - I hope England can win it with six players from Arsenal."

The Arsenal boss revealed that Chambers had been a target for the club since last season, when he first made the breakthrough to the Southampton first-team.

Capable of playing as a right-back, in central defence or as a midfielder, the former England U19s captain made the move to north London for a reported fee of £16m and has signed a five-year deal.

And Wenger says he was pleased to secure the transfer in time for Chambers to join his squad for training in Austria this week ahead of the weekend games with Monaco and Benfica at the Emirates Stadium.

"He was a long-term goal," admitted Wenger. "I like the player and the quality he has, he is a young prospect as well."

Jack Wilshere cools off against Ecuador

Wenger says Jack Wilshere is in good shape ahead of the new season

 

Wenger has also challenged Wilshere to prove his critics wrong with a strong season this time around.

The 22-year-old midfielder was part of England’s squad for the World Cup after battling back from an ankle injury at the end of last season.

And after steering clear of injury so far in pre-season, Wenger wants to see Wilshere go on and enjoy his best campaign to date.

"It is a big season for Jack," said Wenger. "But in the last three years, for me, this is the best shape he's has been in. He has prepared, I think he is rid of his ankle problems and if he can maintain that I think he will have a great season - but it is a very important season for him."

By Nicholas Veevers Content Manager - FA Owned Channels