Arsenal’s Rob Holding Signs New Long-Term Contract

Is Rob Holding the Long-Term Answer?

The answer to that is maybe, but probably not.

It’s indisputable that there are plenty of better central defenders than him in the league, and it says something when the only known club expressing an interest in his services are Newcastle. When he’s performing well, Holding is a good defender. He can even be a very good defender. But it’s unlikely to ever stretch beyond that.

Is it completely out of the question? Absolutely not. Arguably this is some of the best form Holding has shown since he made the move from Bolton in 2016 for £2m, so nothing is final.

However, also within Arsenal’s ranks is William Saliba, who is thought to the future of that area of the pitch. Without a senior appearance to his name and soon to be whisked off to another club on loan, that pathway has been extended ten-fold, yet the general consensus is that he’ll be a colossus when he (eventually) is deemed ready for the Premier League.

Arsenal are still seeking another right centre-back in the coming, and current, windows, one to fill the spaces left by David Luiz and Shkodran Mustafi.

Calum Chambers has returned from injury but he too comes into a period of uncertainty.

Arteta will know that in order to push his side back up the table and forge a team capable of challenging at the right end of the table he will need upgrades across the pitch. As it is, there is no urgent need to upgrade on Holding. Other areas of the squad are in greater distress.

However, having an English defender who knows the club well, has experience of the league and is coming into his best years tied down on a long deal is a no-brainer. If Arsenal were to sell him, what fee they’d garner won’t be enough to secure a better option elsewhere. Right now, Holding is doing his job admirably, sitting top of the pile among those he shares a position with.

Giving him a new deal does no harm whatsoever. In fact, it’s the smart move.