Arsenal are ready to let Rob Holding leave the club in the summer if suitors agree to pay the £15 million price tag set by the Gunners.
According to the Mirror, Rob Holding could be heading away from Arsenal in the summer, as the club are ready to let him leave. Arsenal, however, would only sanction any exit for the youngster if suiting clubs meet his £15 million price tag.
At the back of a terrific transfer window, it looks like Arsene Wenger is ready to revamp his squad in the summer. After reinforcing the club during the January window with attackers in Henrikh Mkhitaryan and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, Wenger will focus on the defensive changes required at the club.
Arsenal were linked with defensive reinforcement during the January window, but no deal could be materialised, except the arrival of Mavropanos. Jonny Evans was heavily linked, but West Brom rejected a late approach from Arsenal, while the club was linked to a few more during the window.
Rob Holding has seen himself fall down the pecking order of late and is now behind Calum Chambers. Arsenal have had a good depth in defence this season, and Holding has been a squad player for most of this campaign. Despite that, the youngster has made 20 appearances so far this season, with 7 of those coming in the Premier League.
Holding has featured heavily in the Europa League group stages as well in cup competitions. Arsenal are in the Carabao Final, and Holding has featured heavily here as well.
Another stumbling block in Holding’s path would be new January signing Konstantinos Mavropanos. The young Greek, after signing on was expected to leave on loan. But, Wenger seemed to have liked the player’s style and attitude, only to keep him for the rest of the season. It could be an indication, Wenger would use the Greek heavily next season.
Holding’s performances have not been bad, as he has demonstrated whenever he has played for the club, including last season’s FA Cup Final. With Per Mertesacker retiring, Holding would have been expected to replace the big German, but at 22 years of age, the Englishman would want to be playing more often or every week.
Burnley were reported to be interested in him during the January window. A loan move was suggested, although other reports indicated Burnley wanted him permanently for £4 million. It has then been reported that Arsenal are now looking for £15 million for the youngster and will reportedly let him leave for that price.
Burnley are a defensive team and have showcased what they are capable of this season in the league, as Sean Dyche’s men sit in the top-half of the Premier League table. Alternatively, Arsene Wenger could send him out on loan for an entire season, as he did with Calum Chambers last season when he played for Middlesborough.
