SAINTS are understood to be bracing themselves for a £16m bid from Arsenal for right-back Calum Chambers.

Discussions are believed to have taken place between the clubs, although the Gunners are yet to formalise their offer for the 19-year-old.

Sources have indicated that is likely to happen soon, though, and the Daily Echo understands Saints have agreed to enter into the talks as the sum of money being spoken about represents a huge amount for a teenager who has just one season of first-team football under his belt.

The club also have Nathaniel Clyne in place, with the two players having split time almost equally at right-back last term.

Saints have been aware that they will, at some stage, need to make a long-term decision over who to proceed with in that position.

However, if they do agree to sell, there is no doubt that Chambers would be a big loss, having emerged as one of the brightest right-back talents in the country.

Petersfield-born Chambers, who has been with the club since the age of seven, is under contract at St Mary’s until 2017, having signed a new four-year deal last summer.

The teenager made his Premier League debut on the opening day of last season, helping Saints to a 1-0 win at West Brom.

England under-19 international Chambers, who missed tonight’s friendly at Bournemouth through illness, went on to make 18 starts in the competition and four substitute appearances.