Turkish giants Besiktas are reportedly discussing a possible summer move for 27-year-old Arsenal outcast Rob Holding.
According to reputed French journalist Loic Tanzi, Rob Holding is the subject of interest from Besiktas. Arsenal will likely part ways with the 27-year-old in the ongoing transfer window. And the Turkish giants have opened talks with the North London club over a deal for the player this summer.
Rob Holding spent most of his formative years with Bolton Wanderers before graduating from the club’s youth division. The English defender broke into Bolton’s first-team squad nearly a decade ago. And pundits and fans alike hailed him as the future of the Three Lions’ backline. Meanwhile, several top clubs showed interest in him.
Arsenal beat the competition to sign Holding from Bolton in July 2016. But while he showed positive signs early on in his Arsenal career, the player has failed to make sufficient progress. And fitness issues also played a part in Holding’s struggles at Arsenal in the last few seasons.
The 27-year-old has previously been a youth international for England. But he has yet to make his debut for the Three Lions, with his slow progress contributing to his inability to make it to the squad. Meanwhile, Holding has turned out 162 times thus far for Arsenal, chipping in with five goals.
But the 27-year-old faces an uncertain future at the Emirates after the arrival of Jakub Kiwior and others. And recent reports have claimed that he will likely leave Arsenal in the ongoing transfer window. He does not have a shortage of suitors, with Besiktas keen on securing his services this summer.
At Besiktas, Senol Gunes has several centre-backs in his squad. But a closer look reveals that two of them are on the sidelines. So despite signing Daniel Amartey from Leicester City, the Turkish giants need a centre-back. And Holding has emerged as a viable target.
According to Loic Tanzi, Arsenal and Besiktas are already in talks over a possible deal for Holding. And with Arsenal ready to cash in on the 27-year-old outcast, an agreement might be close. And it will be interesting to see if the Englishman continues his career in Turkey.
