Aston Villa have reportedly re-entered the market for a new centre-back following Diego Carlos’s injury, with Arsenal’s Rob Holding a target.
According to Estadio Deportivo, Rob Holding has emerged as a potential target for Aston Villa, who have re-entered the market for a new defender. Steven Gerrard lost Diego Carlos to a long-term injury this past weekend, thus rendering his defensive plans for the season obsolete.
Aston Villa made early waves in the market when they quickly bought the required players to the club. Steven Gerrard was keen to strengthen the core and spine of his team and focused on signing key midfielders and defenders.
The acquisition of Boubacar Kamara was a step in the right direction, and the French international has settled in well, while the arrival of Diego Carlos strengthened their backline. After a dismal first game for the former Sevilla star, he performed brilliantly against Everton at the weekend.
Alongside Tyrone Mings, Aston Villa looked like a strong unit until Carlos went down with an injury late in the match. After initial diagnosis and further scans, it has been confirmed the Brazilian defender suffered a torn Achilles tendon.
The injury will keep Carlos out for nine months, which means he might miss the rest of the season, barring probably the campaign’s last few games. With Carlos being the star summer arrival for Aston Villa, Gerrard probably had a plan in place with the Brazilian in his mind, which probably needs re-think.
Hence, Aston Villa could be expected to be back in the market for a new centre-back and have instantly been linked with a few names. Fulham target Jason Denayer is one of the favourites to arrive at Villa Park, but there is considerable talent in the former Lyon defender, who is available for a free transfer.
Arsenal’s Rob Holding is also mentioned sufficiently, even though the English defender seems to have fallen down the pecking order. The return of William Saliba and Mikel Arteta’s preference of starting the Frenchman regularly in pre-season and the first two games may allow Holding to think over his future at Arsenal.
Arsenal have allowed Pablo Mari to depart from the Emirates, which makes Holding their fourth choice centre-back in the pecking order. He provides depth in the position, as Arteta is currently playing all his other centre-halves on the pitch together.
The Gunners could consider selling Holding to Aston Villa if a reasonable offer that matches their valuation arrives for Holding. His departure could affect Arsenal’s central defensive depth, although Arteta has players like Takehiro Tomiyasu and Kieran Tierney who can cover at centre-back if needed.
Given Aston Villa’s dire situation, they might heavily consider signing someone like Denayer. However, the name of Holding might ring some bells considering his experience in the Premier League. If the Arsenal defender does join Aston Villa, he will reunite with former teammate Calum Chambers, who joined Gerrard’s side in January.
