Arsenal defender Rob Holding ‘is in talks over a potential loan move to Besiktas’ ahead of the Gunners’ summer overhaul… with centre-back ‘keen to secure first-team football’
Arsenal centre-back Rob Holding is in talks with Besiktas over a potential loan move this summer, according to reports.
The English defender struggled to make an impact for the Gunners during the 2022-23 campaign, making just 14 appearances in the Premier League.
It was the lowest amount of appearances that he’s registered in a top-flight campaign since 2019-20, suggesting his time at the club may be winding down.
And, it seems as though plans to move Holding on are already in motion, with Turkish side Besiktas emerging as frontrunners to sign him.
According to The Express, the 27-year-old has held discussion with the Super Lig club about a loan move this summer.
Arsenal defender Rob Holding could soon be on his way out of the club as part of a loan deal
Turkish giants Besiktas are reportedly in discussions with Holding ahead of a potential move
Holding, who initially joined from Bolton Wanderers in 2016, is keen to secure first-team football after a lack of action last season.
And, while Holding struggled for game time last campaign, Arsenal’s interest in Ajax star Jurrien Timber suggests there would be even more obstacles for him to overcome next season.
On Tuesday, Mail Sport revealed that Arsenal had made an improved £41.5million offer for the Ajax defender.
Having seen their original £30million bid rebuffed by Ajax, the Premier League side have now returned with a new offer worth just north of £40million.
Ajax are understood to value Timber at £50million, but Arsenal are hopeful their move for the 22-year-old defender will reach a positive conclusion in the coming days.
With the likes of William Saliba, Gabriel Maghalhaes and Ben White all ahead of Holding as it stands, his playing time in north London would be limited.
The 27-year-old has just one year remaining on his contract but it’s thought that if he is loaned out by the club, that he will also sign a contract extension.
The 27-year-old made just 14 appearances in Arsenal’s top-flight campaign last season
Since joining the Gunners in 2016, Holding has gone on to make 162 appearances for the club.
In that time, he’s managed to score five goals. He’s also claimed two FA Cups with the north London outfit.
If he were to secure a move to Besiktas, Holding would link-up with the likes of Nathan Redmond and Georges Kevin-Nkoudou.
The Turkish giants also had former Tottenham star Dele Alli on loan with them last seaosn, but he will now be preparing for a return to Everton.
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