Arsenal defender Rob Holding is unlikely to leave the Emirates club this summer, as per journalist Chris Wheatley.
The 25-year-old had an excellent season, achieving 11 clean sheets in 30 Premier League appearances. The centre-back also helped the north London club in reaching the Europa League semi-final.
Having struggled with injuries in the past couple of campaigns, Holding made a great comeback for Mikel Arteta’s side and established himself as one of the first names on the team sheet.
The Times have reported earlier in the day that Rob Holding might leave the Emirates Stadium this summer, with a transfer deal for Ben White expected to go through very soon.
However, according to Football London journalist Chris Wheatley, the defender is highly unlikely to go anywhere this summer and the Gunners boss considers him as one of the leaders in the squad. Wheatley said:
“Rob Holding is away right now working hard ahead of pre-season. Arteta considers him as part of the Arsenal leadership group and highly unlikely to be going anywhere next season.”
Rob Holding is away right now working hard ahead of pre-season. Arteta considers him as part of the Arsenal leadership group and highly unlikely to be going anywhere next season. #AFC
— Chris Wheatley (@ChrisWheatley) June 25, 2021
Arsenal Fever View:
Despite Ben White’s arrival, it will be a bad decision to let go of a talented player like Rob Holding. The north Londoners do not have many experienced centre-back’s and the Englishman is one of the few players in the squad who could lead the team.
The Gunners’ other young centre-back William Saliba will be returning from a productive loan spell at OGC Nice and the youngster will need an experienced campaigner alongside him to develop.
Despite lacking pace, the 25-year-old has very good positional sense and is also decent in the air. He is an excellent one-on-one defender and is comfortable with the ball, which is the most necessary attribute to play in Arteta’s system.
Arsenal should not sell Rob Holding this summer. Following the departure of David Luiz, the Englishman is currently the most experienced defender at the north London club and could help potential signing Ben White to settle down as quickly as possible.
Read More: Albert Lokonga wants to join Arsenal this summer, claims Fabrizio Romano
