Arsenal defender Rob Holding has pledged his future to the club after signing a long-term contract in London. Despite being linked with a move away from the Emirates last summer, the 25-year-old has managed to battle his way back into Mikel Arteta‘s plans. The Spaniard stood in the way of the move in the previous window, and Holding has now made 18 appearances for the Gunners this season.
Rob Holding Signs New Contract at Arsenal
Holding Close to joining Newcastle on Loan Last Summer
After suffering a major knee injury, many were concerned about how this would affect Holding’s return to football. He sustained the injury at Old Trafford in December 2018, and was subsequently sidelined until August the following year. The defender spent 248 days out with a ruptured anterior crucial ligament.
The long and hard recovery process however seems well worth it. The defender has since become a regular in the Arsenal side. Holding is enjoying regular game-time and has now extended his deal that was due to expire in 2023.
Permanent signings of both Pablo Mari and Gabriel in the last year in the center of defence, as well as the decision to keep David Luiz and Shkodran Mustafi, seemed bleak for Holding. Chances seemed slim, and a move to Newcastle seemed the right decision in order to gain more opportunities.
This proposed move appeared to suit both parties. It would enable Arsenal to reduce their crowded side but also help Holding gain sustained game time, and allow for his development. However, Holding’s contribution to the homegrown quota, as well as Arteta recognising him as someone of quality and importance to the future of the squad, meant this deal eventually fell through.
Holding seems to be someone with a brighter future than the likes of David Luiz, Sokratis, and Shkodran Mustafi.
Arteta’s decision appears to have paid off with Holding impressing so far this season. He has been influential in Arsenal’s recent league run. The gunners have kept 2 clean sheets and conceded just 1 goal in their last 3 league games.
As a result, Arsenal find themselves just 6 points shy of the top four after a turbulent start to the season. And, with an FA Cup win this weekend over Newcastle, they extended their run as well as booking their place in the competition’s 4th round.
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