Southampton football chief Les Reed admits they couldn't hold onto Calum Chambers.
The youngster completed his move to Arsenal yesterday.
Reed admits Southampton were powerless to keep Chambers, the versatile 19-year-old defender who broke into the club's first team only last season.
"We are naturally disappointed whenever any of our academy graduates leave and that's very much the case with Calum's departure," Reed said.
"Calum made it clear to us that he did not see his future at Southampton.
"As such, it was crucial that we were able to negotiate a substantial fee that also reflects the work our staff have put into Calum's development since he joined the club at the age of eight."
