Cardiff sign defender Chambers from Aston Villa

Calum Chambers spent five seasons as an Arsenal team-mate of Aaron Ramsey

Cardiff City have signed England defender Calum Chambers from Aston Villa on a three-year deal.

The 29-year-old had a year to run on his Villa contract, but was allowed to leave the Premier League club.

The former Arsenal player made only five top-flight appearances last season, also featuring three times in the Europa Conference League.

"I think after speaking to the club, it felt like they were very ambitious in where they were heading," Chambers told the Bluebirds' website.

"It seemed like a really good project to be a part of, and I didn't really want to miss out. I'm at a stage in my career where I want to be ambitious and create memories for myself as well."

Cardiff boss Erol Bulut said: "First of all, he is a great player. He spent a long time at Arsenal and played at Aston Villa, so he will add great experience in our defensive shape.

"He is also an ex-team-mate of Aaron Ramsey, so they will know each other. It is a great addition for us."

Chambers, who can play in central defence or at right-back, made 36 appearances in total since joining Villa in January 2022, a move which ended an eight-year association with Arsenal.

He joined the Gunners from Southampton for £16m in 2014, having played 25 times for Saints after coming through their academy.

He played 122 games for Arsenal, scoring five goals, while he also had loan spells in the Premier League with Middlesbrough and Fulham.

All three of Chambers' England caps came in 2014.

He is Cardiff's second summer signing, following former Queens Park Rangers winger Chris Willock to the Welsh capital.