Arsenal are expected to sign Bolton Wanderers’ youth prodigy Rob Holding in the coming week according to reports in the Sun.
Holding recently signed a one-year extension to his contract at the Macron stadium, but looks more likely to complete a high-profile move away from the Greater Manchester based club than to play League One football next season.
Arsenal have already secured the signings of Granit Xhaka and Takumi Asano and now looks to add a defender to the ranks.
Spurs, Everton and Scottish giants Celtic are all thought to have been tracking the young centre-half’s progress, and have been linked with moves for the England U21 star, but it is thought that Holding prefers a move to Arsenal.
Arsenal will this week offer £2.5million for the highly-rated centre-back, 20, to fend off interest from rival clubs.
Bolton were relegated during a disastrous Championship campaign, with Holding a rare bright spark, being voted the club’s Player of the Year by supporters.
With his immense ball interception technique and blocking, he could be the one to lead the defensive unit of Arsenal for years to come. Likes to play long balls, dribble a little and an indirect set-piece threat, it’s obvious that he’s compared with the likes of Tony Adams and Steve Bould.
Arsene Wenger is keen to strengthen his long-term options in defence and see the England U-21 star to be perfect alongside Chambers in the long run.
Bolton’s ability to keep hold of their prized asset may be tested following their relegation, coupled with the ongoing effects of the perilous financial position which threatened to see them liquidated last season.
With Bournemouth’s bid of £2million rejected, Let’s hope ours get accepted and we get our man.
Happy Sunday to everyone!
