Arsenal’s centre-back, Rob Holding, has reportedly received a €2.5 million offer from Turkish side Besiktas JK. However, Arsenal is expected to reject the proposal, as they believe Holding’s value is higher.
According to transfer news specialist David Ornstein of The Athletic, Besiktas JK has submitted a €2.5 million offer to sign Rob Holding from Arsenal.
This proposal falls far below what Arsenal would consider for the sale, and it is likely to be rejected.
Rob Holding’s Current Contract and Playing Time
Rob Holding’s current contract with Arsenal expires next summer.
Ornstein reveals that there is an option in his deal that allows the club to extend it by another year. It remains uncertain whether Holding will choose to stay at the Emirates Stadium.
Last season, Holding faced a decline in his playing time, with William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhaes becoming Mikel Arteta’s preferred centre-back pairing.
Holding played 24 times, scoring twice, in a total of 1,397 minutes of action. He didn’t start a Premier League match until March but started six of the eight UEFA Europa League contests.
Following Saliba’s injury in the Europa League Round of 16 tie against Sporting CP, Holding started six league games in a row. During that period, Arsenal conceded 13 goals and won only twice, resulting in them losing the top-flight title to Manchester City.
While Holding cannot be solely blamed for their defensive issues, he didn’t offer the same level of solidity as Saliba.
Holding’s Historical Significance in Arsenal’s Squad
Rob Holding is one of the few remaining players from the Arsene Wenger era still in Arsenal’s current squad. He was signed by the legendary manager from Bolton Wanderers in 2016 for a fee of around £2.5 million.
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Since Wenger’s departure in 2018, the Arsenal squad has undergone significant changes. Holding, Mohamed Elneny, and Eddie Nketiah are the only players from Wenger’s time still part of the team.
Recently, Granit Xhaka departed for Bayer Leverkusen, and Ainsley Maitland-Niles’ contract was not renewed. All the other players from Wenger’s final squad have left the club.
During his time at Arsenal, Holding has made 162 appearances, scoring five goals. He has also won two FA Cups and two FA Community Shields with the team.
Rob Holding’s future at Arsenal is uncertain, as he faces competition for playing time and the possibility of a move to Besiktas JK.
Despite an offer of €2.5 million, Arsenal is expected to reject it, indicating their belief in Holding’s higher value. As the only remaining player from the Arsene Wenger era, Holding holds a significant place in Arsenal’s current squad.
