Arsenal have confirmed the signing of young defender Rob Holding from Bolton Wanderers.
Arsenal were heavily linked with young Bolton defender Rob Holding from the beginning of the summer transfer window with various reports stating that the Gunners were in the process of having an agreement in place. The speculation has been laid to rest as Arsenal have, through their website, officially announced the signing of the 20-year old. The announcement did not reveal the transfer fee associated with the deal but it was earlier reported to have been around the £2.5m mark.
You’re right, @ByJohnSmith – and it’s now official #WelcomeRob ?https://t.co/SvNsDcCbuX
— Arsenal FC (@Arsenal) July 22, 2016
Rob Holding burst onto the scene last season making his league debut in the Championship with Bolton Wanderers. The 20-year old quickly became a mainstay in the team making 26 league appearances and started attracting interest from Premier League clubs at the end of the season. The youngster won the club’s Player of the Season award and was one of the few highlights of the campaign that saw Bolton drop down to League One, the third tier of English football.
The youngster is a central defender who can play at the fullback position as well and is very comfortable with the ball at his feet for a centre-back. The 20-year old is known for his interceptions and blocks but has a visible weakness in tackling as well as his ability to challenge in the air. Arsene Wenger will not be too concerned by his sometimes-inept passing and other weaknesses as the player, with age on his side, is bound to improve in the future.
Rob Holding has shown glimpses of his leadership quality in the Championship with Bolton and has been tipped to captain the Three Lions in the future. The player has shown he is ready for first-team football and Arsenal could use him in their first-team setup. Arsene Wenger would be pleased to bring the player to the Emirates in the hope that the defender turns out to be a long-term replacement for Per Mertesacker.
