According to The Bolton News, Arsenal are expected to complete the signing of Rob Holding in the coming hours.
The Bolton player of the year underwent a secret medical on Monday after an initial transfer fee in excess of £2m was agreed between the two clubs. Arsenal will pay League One side Bolton additional bonuses based on club and international appearances.
The England Under-21 international made just 30 appearances in a Bolton shirt, making his debut less than a year ago in a Capital One Cup defeat to Burton Albion.
In less than a year, his career has sky-rocketed, from being a substitute at Bolton Wanderers to being called up by Gareth Southgate to represent England U-21 for the Toulon Tournament. It’s a dream come true for every sportsperson to represent their nation at every level.
Holding, 20, will become Arsene Wenger’s third summer signing after Swiss midfielder Granit Xhaka and Japanese forward Takuma Asano. This would mean that Arsenal have signed a defender, a midfielder and a striker in the transfer window.
We all know that only Xhaka would compete for the starting spot but Asano and Holding are not bad for the future. Holding has already played for an English club and was their best player after getting player of the year from the Club’s representatives.
Bolton boss Phil Parkinson told The Bolton News that:
As far as I know there is interest from a number of Premiership clubs.
The chairman has got a valuation in mind and I don’t think he will budge from that. I don’t think he needs to, either, because he is a very good young player and there is a premium on those types.
If someone comes up with that valuation then the chairman will give me a call.
The 20-year-old defender was left out of the Bolton line-up for their friendly match against Tranmere Rovers on Tuesday night.
This means that the signing is very close to fruition and we may see a new center back in an Arsenal shirt.
