Transfer News: Burnley eager to sign Arsenal defender Rob Holding on loan

Burnley are eager to tie up a loan move for Arsenal defender Rob Holding in January until the end of the season, but Arsenal will sanction only they sign Jonny Evans from West Brom.

According to Mailonline, Burnley have enquired about the possibility of signing Arsenal defender Rob Holding till the end of the season on loan. Sean Dyche looks to bolster his defence for the second half of the season.

The idea for Sean Dyche to look and ask for Rob Holding’s availability comes after a strong start to their Premier League season, as the manager would want a strong finish as well. Rob Holding’s name has been put forward as Arsenal actively chase West Brom’s Jonny Evans in January.

LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - JANUARY 27: Jonny Evans of West Bromwich Albion holds off James Milner of Liverpool during The Emirates FA Cup Fourth Round match between Liverpool and West Bromwich Albion at Anfield on January 27, 2018 in Liverpool, England. (Photo by Alex Livesey/Getty Images)
Jonny Evans has been heavily linked with moves to Arsenal and Manchester City and would be the telling link in Rob Holding’s Burnley move. (Photo courtesy: AFP/Getty Images)

But Arsenal won’t stand in the way of a player who would like to have more Premier League games under his belt. The signing of Jonny Evans would necessarily mean less time for the young Englishman.

Arsenal are active in the January market more than ever as they chase some stars in attack and defence. After signing Henrikh Mkhitaryan in a swap deal involving Alexis Sanchez with Manchester United earlier in the window, Arsene Wenger is actively pursuing Jonny Evans.

Arsenal letting Holding leave hinges on Evans joining them in this window. Evans has been the hot topic of the transfer window in England. The race for the Northern Ireland international is picking up steam as Manchester City rival Arsenal for his signature in January.

The major factor for Arsenal concerning the Evans signing would be his asking price, as reports suggest that he could be available for as much as 3 million in the summer if West Brom are to get relegated. Hence Arsene Wenger seems to be baulking at the 25 million price tag set by West Brom.

BOURNEMOUTH, ENGLAND - JANUARY 14: Rob Holding of Arsenal is challenged by Callum Wilson of Bournemouth during the Premier League match between AFC Bournemouth and Arsenal at Vitality Stadium on January 14, 2018 in Bournemouth, England. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)
Rob Holding has featured in 20 Arsenal games this season across all competitions. (Photo courtesy: AFP/Getty Images)

Holding’s performances this season have been impressive despite featuring in the loss to Nottingham Forest as they failed in their FA Cup defence. He has starred only five times in the Premier League but has regularly featured in the Carabao Cup as well in the Europa League.

Manchester City, however, have seemed to cool their interest in Evans only a bit, as they pursue Aymeric Laporte from Athletic Bilbao and are understood to be willing to pay his €53 million release clause.

BILBAO, SPAIN - MARCH 18: Cristiano Ronaldo of Real Madrid competes for the ball with Aymeric Laporte of Athletic Club during the La Liga match between Athletic Club Bilbao and Real Madrid at San Mames Stadium on on March 18, 2017 in Bilbao, Spain. (Photo by Juan Manuel Serrano Arce/Getty Images)
Athletic Bilbao defender Aymeric Laporte is heavily tipped to join Manchester City in January. (Photo Courtesy Afp/Getty Images)

Arsenal could well sign the Northern Irishman and let Holding leave on a temporary deal. Burnley could be a great option as they have demonstrated as being one of the top defensive teams in the division.

Sean Dyche could well hope Arsenal make the Evans signing and boost his hopes of tieing up a player who grew up in the North West with Bolton. A return would appeal Holding but he could as well stay with Arsenal amid intense competition for places in central defence.

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