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Rob Holding set to dodge Arsenal’s slaughter of Mikel Arteta with a 25-year-old defender ‘on the verge of signing a new long-term contract’, ending speculation he would be on loan this month- this
- Arsenal defender Rob Holding set to be rewarded with long-term deal
- The 25-year-old, signed from Bolton in 2016, has been a key performer this year
- Holding to draft new contract soon and stay at club, Telegraph says
- The center-back has made 17 appearances so far in Arsenal’s mixed season
Arsenal defender Rob Holding is expected to sign a new long-term contract with the club after impressing this season, according to reports.
The 25-year-old, signed from Bolton for £ 2million in 2016, has been forced to a regular first-team spot this campaign as part of Mikel Arteta’s volatile full back line.
And, despite reports linking it to a loan move this month, The Telegraph says Holding will stay in the Emirates and avoid the expected mass slaughter.
Arsenal defender Rob Holding reportedly ready, so sign new long-term contract with the club
It is believed that a number of Premier League clubs were targeting Holding in an attempt to sign him temporarily.
The center-back is now more likely to stay and fight for his place, however.
Having made 17 appearances in all competitions so far this quarter, Holding has become a key member of Arteta’s squad.
Holding, signed from Bolton for £ 2million in 2016, has become a regular with the first team this season
His current contract has two more seasons to go but, as noted, an extension appears to be drawing near.
Newcastle were among the teams that registered an interest in Holding this summer, although a potential deal did not materialize for Bury’s former lender.
The same outlet also believes Steve Bruce will remain on the lookout for short-term options during the winter window, but has ruled out Holding moving to St James’ Park.
Holding started, and caught the eye, in Arsenal’s recent back-to-back wins over Chelsea and Brighton.
Mikel Arteta (left) struggled to line up a restored back with Arsenal chased by injuries and absences his season; Holding (right) should be awarded for impressing recently
He is likely to continue to be offered plenty of first-team opportunities due to Arteta’s impending ax.
The club’s head coach wants a significant exodus to help him downsize and a number of defenders could find themselves expelled soon.
Sead Kolasinac joined struggling Schalke on Bundesliga loan in Arsenal’s first start this month – and Shkodran Mustafi, Calum Chambers and Sokratis Papastathopoulos are also said to be on the chopping block.
William Saliba’s future also remains uncertain, with the summer signing yet to be featured for the first team.
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