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Arsenal: Rob Holding, Really?
Arsenal are set to sign the famous, world renowned Rob Holding from Bolton Wanderers for £1.5 million. Yes, that is true, and no, it is not a signing that is bringing the Premier League trophy back to the Emirates.
Arsenal are, perhaps more than any other club, a team that invests in young players that have potential. While this is a wonderful philosophy that should be celebrated, at times it is very frustrating as an external observer, and this is one of those times.
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The Gunners are genuinely in a position to challenge for the title this next season with a few key additions. This is not a question of numbers, the squad is more than big enough, it is a question of quality. With a few key additions, just a couple of players that can come in and improve, not the squad but the starting eleven, Arsenal could have a side that can win the Premier League.
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Unfortunately, while Arsene Wenger has brought in Granit Xhaka, he has failed to secure the signing of Jamie Vardy and is now following that up with the sensational signing, the name that everyone was shouting for, Rob Holding, per the Express.
Holding is talented. At only 20, the defender does have potential. He was one of the only positives from a Bolton campaign that was otherwise littered with misery and was voted as the club’s player of the year by fans. While Holding may have potential, he is not a center half who will improve the players that Wenger already has at his disposal.
Holding is built in a similar mold to Calum Chambers, a player who is further along the developmental process. If Chambers does go out on loan, then perhaps bringing in another player with potential who can double as squad depth is a smart move. However, it isn’t of benefit to next year.
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This moves reeks of stereotypical Arsenal. Surrendering the now in favor of the future. While I am a fan of planning for the future, Arsenal’s future never comes into reality. Holding may well progress into a good player and thereby a good signing, but it isn’t half underwhelming. Arsenal need reinforcements for the now, and Holding is not the answer.