Mikel Arteta confirms Rob Holding will not be leaving Arsenal on loan

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Mikel Arteta told BT Sport’s post-match coverage of Arsenal’s win on the opening day of the new Premier League season (broadcast on 12/9 from 11:30) that he has told Rob Holding that he will not be leaving the Emirates this summer amid previous doubts over his future.

It appeared that Holding was all set to join Newcastle United on loan. Talksport even suggested last month that a deal was agreed and set to be announced.

However, the centre-back was involved with the Gunners throughout pre-season. And he has started both the Community Shield and their Premier League curtain-raiser at Craven Cottage.

On both occasions, the 24-year-old proved to be extremely impressive. And following his display in the 3-0 win over Fulham, Arteta insisted that he took a decision over a potential exit out of Holding’s hands.

“I said to him, ‘change your mind because you’re not going anywhere’. Rob is another one who stands for every value that we want at the football club,” he told BT Sport.

“He had a really difficult time, but he trained and pursued his dream to play for this football club. And now, why do I have to let him go? He’s already playing so what else do you want?”

It will do Holding’s confidence the world of good that Arteta rates him so highly. Arsenal have a number of options at centre-back and can afford to move one or two players on.

Earlier in the window, many Gunners fans would have been forgiven for backing Holding’s loan move. It appeared, for various reasons, that he was struggling to realise his full potential.

But the early signs from this season suggest that he has a big role to play moving forward.