text: Arsenal defender Calum Chambers has enjoyed a promising start to his career in North London, with his versatility proving a key asset in the Gunners backline and is adamant he will play a central part in their future success. During a fine debut season Chambers, who signed from Southampton last July for £16million, has established himself as a first team regular having already made 36 appearances for Arsenal. There was a point before Christmas when Wenger admitted to overplaying Chambers with only Santi Cazorla (45), Alexis Sanchez (44) and Per Mertesacker (40) having appeared more times for the Gunners this campaign. Arsenal defender Calum Chambers has enjoyed a fine first season with the North London club . Having signed last summer, Wenger told the 20-year-old he will utilise him at centre back, with World Cup winner Per Mertesacker returning late from the German triumph in Brazil: . ‘We went to Austria during pre-season and had a training session. The manager told me, “You’re going to be training as a centre-half here because you may have an opportunity to play there at the start of the season”,’ Chambers told the Sun. ‘So I trained at centre-half a few times and it went from there. I made my debut in the Community Shield at Wembley and started a lot of games, Premier League and Champions League in that position.’ Chambers (centre) celebrates as Arsenal continue a recent run of form to go second in the Premier League . Arsenal's defender has gone from strength to strength following £16million move from Southampton in 2014 . Chambers caught the eye during his start to life at the Emirates and was also deployed at right back and in a central holding midfield role. However Chambers is determined to see his future in central defence for club and country. ‘I don’t want to be known as a utility player who just slots in here, there and everywhere as I want my own secured position. But it’s good for me because it’s giving me more opportunities to get game time under my belt. ‘Long-term, I think I’ll end up as a central defender. It’s my favourite position.’ Chambers works hard in training (left) as the Gunners prepare to face Reading in the FA Cup semi-final . Calum Chambers enjoyed his recent England trip to the Czech Republic with the Under 21 side .
target: The 20-year-old signed for £16million from Southampton in July 2014 .
  Calum Chambers has made 36 appearances for Arsenal so far this season .
  Chambers sees his club and international future playing centre back .
  Arsenal face Reading in the FA Cup semi-finals on Saturday evening .