Calum Chambers has told talkSPORT he needs to be playing consistent first-team football next season to ensure he continues to develop as a defender.

The 22-year-old spent the 2016/17 season on loan at Middlesbrough, largely impressive despite the Teesside club’s relegation from the Premier League.

He has since headed to Poland as part of the England squad for the European Under-21 Championship, and has played every minute as the Young Lions have reached the semi-final stage.

Set to report back to Arsenal at the start of pre-season, a number of clubs – including Chambers’ former side Southampton, as well as Newcastle and Everton – have shown an interest in taking the youngster on loan for the 2017/18 campaign.

And it sounds as if Chambers would seriously consider leaving the Emirates for the second successive season if he is not to be guaranteed game time in north London.

Speaking to talkSPORT, Chambers said: “This season, personally for me, I was a bit frustrated I couldn’t help keep Middlesbrough in the Premier League. Going there and doing a year on loan with them, it’s a great club; the players all welcomed me in really well.

“I had a thoroughly enjoyable year there; I played regularly and got some valuable experiences that I’m gaining from.

“In this tournament I feel the experiences I got this year and the game time I got this year are helping me and I want to take that forward.

“Next season I want to do the same. I want to play football, and I think it’s vital at this age – as a young player – to play as many games as possible to get experience.”