Arsenal’s defensive outcast Rob Holding has reportedly emerged as a potential January target for Newcastle United.
According to Fichajes, Newcastle United are among the clubs interested in securing the services of Rob Holding. The Arsenal defender has fallen out of favour under Mikel Arteta, and a move away from the Emirates could be on the horizon in this ongoing January transfer window. It has put Newcastle on alert, as Eddie Howe looks to strengthen the ranks in the defensive department.
The Magpies are already closing in on signing Kieran Trippier. The Atletico Madrid right-back is expected to complete his medical at St. James’ Park soon, and with his arrival almost imminent, Howe has set his sights on signing a centre-back.
One of the priority targets for the Premier League strugglers was Sven Botman, but it appears LOSC Lille have no intention of parting ways with their talented defender in January. It has forced Newcastle to explore other options in the market, with Holding emerging as one of the potential candidates.
On the books of Arsenal since 2016, Holding brings a wealth of experience at the highest level, having featured in 126 competitive matches for the Gunners. During his time at the Emirates, he has won two FA Cup titles, even captaining the team a few times last season.
However, following the summer arrivals of Takehiro Tomiyasu and Ben White, Holding’s presence in the first-team has reduced. The defender has featured in just five league matches this term, falling behind White, Tomiyasu and Gabriel Magalhaes in the pecking order. And with Arsenal gunning for a new defender like Clement Lenglet in January, a move away from the Emirates appears to be a logical move.
The Englishman may not provide the same quality or even have the same ceiling as Botman. But his Premier League experience, coupled with his dogged defensive nature, could be exactly what Newcastle United need if they are to stave off relegation during the second half of the campaign.
Holding is unlikely to cost a fortune either, which means Newcastle United will have the opportunity to add more centre-backs in January. While a move for Botman appears to be unlikely at this stage, the Magpies are in the market for Dan-Axel Zagadou, who is yet to sign a contract extension with Borussia Dortmund, with his current deal expiring in the summer.
