Wolves and Crystal Palace are both interested in Arsenal star Rob Holding
According to Football Insider, Premier League sides Wolves and Crystal Palace are both interested in securing the services of Arsenal star Rob Holding in the ongoing summer transfer window.
The 27-year-old has fallen down the pecking order at The Emirates and will be allowed to leave the club this summer. With the deadline this Friday, it could be a mad rush to secure his signature with La Liga side Real Betis also keen.
Primarily a centre-back, Holding is capable of also playing out wide on the right and is an experienced player with plenty of matches under his belt. Since joining Arsenal in 2016, he has made 162 appearances for the Gunners across all competitions, scoring five goals in the process.
Skipper Max Kilam is the most recognizable face in the Wolverhampton Wanderers roster as far as centre-backs are concerned. Toti isn’t the most reliable player while Craig Dawson is 33 and not getting any younger. Signing Holding will give them strength in numbers while also providing more security at the back should star midfielder Matheus Nunes depart for Manchester City.
It is perhaps surprising that Wolves are yet to reinforce their defence after losing Conor Coady, Nathan Collins and Ruben Neves among others. While Holding won’t be a groundbreaking addition, he could do a job for Gary O’Neil.
Meanwhile, Crystal Palace have a solid back two of Joachim Andersen and Marc Guehi, giving them a base to build on. Chris Richards and Nathan Ferguson make up the unspectacular list of backups available in the role while James Tomkins assumes the role of the veteran.
Replacing Tomkins should be on the agenda and bringing in Holding will help the Eagles phase the 34-year-old out. With Luton Town also now entering the fray, one can say that Arsenal might fight themselves spoilt for choice regarding options.
Having spent heavily this summer, Arsenal are seeking to balance their books and will prefer to sell Holding outright rather than settle for a loan deal. Still 27, the former English Under-21 star still has plenty to offer to the right team in the top flight.
