Report: Newcastle deal for Arsenal defender Rob Holding stalling

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Arsenal defender, Rob Holding, could yet stay at the club as Mikel Arteta has yet to decide on whether to bring in a replacement.

According to Sky Sports, Holding hasn’t yet agreed on a move to Newcastle despite talks suggesting he was on his way last week.

The report claims that Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta is keeping the deal on hold as he weighs up his defensive options ahead of the new season.

The Gunners boss has already signed Gabriel Magalhaes this summer and has a number of other options in defence. However, the likes of Sokratis and Mustafi face uncertain futures, meaning Holding could yet have a role to play at the club.

Holding, who signed for Arsenal from Bolton back in 2016 for a reported fee of £2m and earns around £25k-a-week, has featured in recent times under the management of Arteta. However, given the club are trying to rebuild the defender is seen as a potential expendable player.

Newcastle has already announced the signing of Callum Wilson this week, while they are also closing in on a deal for Jamal Lewis.

Arteta right to await a replacement, there is no point in rushing this deal – TBR View

Newcastle will be frustrated with this but the Arsenal boss is right to be holding onto Holding for the time being, given the season begins in just a week.

Holding, while obviously not the most talented defender in the Arsenal squad, is a player who can play an important role within the squad.

It seems only right, then, that Arteta awaits a replacement and an assessment of his squad before committing to allowing him to leave.