Ray Parlour has urged Mikel Arteta to cash in on Rob Holding and get a decent value on the 27-year-old defender in this window.
Arsenal have done their transfer business early and made a statement of intent on what they plan to achieve in the upcoming season. The arrival of Kai Havertz, Declan Rice and Jurrien Timber have made the Gunners staunch competitors for the Premier League title.
The North Londoners have spent north of £200 million on the three players amid many doubting they had that kind of money to splash. Mikel Arteta would argue these incomings bolster his squad and plug gaps that derailed their title chances last season.
One particular signing that has caught the eye is that of Jurrien Timber. Arsenal suffered in the late absence of William Saliba and Takehiro Tomiyasu as they fizzled out in their title quest late last season. The former Ajax star has the versatility to play in multiple positions, which gives Arteta the options he needs at the back.
In Arsenal’s final pre-season game of the US tour, Timber started as a left-back and played admirably for Arteta’s liking. His presence completes their backline, as the manager has multiple options in all positions. More so, they could even sell Kieran Tierney later in this window and not replace him with anyone.
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Timber’s arrival possibly puts a big question mark on Rob Holding’s future. He proved incapable of replacing Saliba last season, and Arsenal may have suffered with his presence in central defence. The 27-year-old’s contract ends in 2024. But the Gunners can extend it by another year.
Former Arsenal star Ray Parlour on talkSPORT reckons the club should cash in on the defender and raise funds for further signings. He values the 27-year-old at 10 million, and the Gunners could consider the sale.
Parlour said, “As much as I love Rob Holding, he probably has to move on, which he probably will. Rob Holding, you would probably get £10 million.”
Arsenal remain in the market for further reinforcements. But any movement will depend on the sales they conduct. So far, they have sold only Pablo Mari and Granit Xhaka, with the latter bringing in considerable funds. Arsenal pondered bringing in a new midfielder. But that remains a requirement.
There are a host of targets in the market, while Parlour insists they also needed a striker. Whether Arteta realistically needs a centre forward has question marks written all over it. Still, the manager might dip into the market for a new wide forward to deputise for Bukayo Saka.
