Arsenal’s Rob Holding Signs New Long-Term Contract

Rob Holding a new long-term contract at Arsenal.

A whirlwind year in so many ways followed a similar trajectory for Rob Holding, who appeared mere moments away from leaving Arsenal for Newcastle on loan in the summer.

The details of that switch were all-but wrapped up, with his final game for the Gunners prior to making the move north due to be the Community Shield clash with Liverpool.

A fine individual display at Wembley helped Arsenal lift the (half) trophy, and Mikel Arteta pulled the plug on the deal at the eleventh hour. At the time it appeared to be a perfect move for all involved: Holding needed regular minutes to regain full fitness and Arsenal were well-stocked in central defence.

That u-turn was surprising. Having battled back from a long-term injury, Holding was some way off the form he’d shown before damaging his anterior cruciate ligament. He’d lost more pace, was poorer on the ball and got caught out positionally alarmingly often.

Turning a considerable corner in that respect, he’s nailed down a starting berth in the side and proved the most capable companion for new signing Gabriel Magalhaes, a role that was expected to be bestowed on David Luiz. Together their partnership has formed the basis of a vastly improved defensive record and Holding’s part in the Brazilian’s integration into the side can’t be understated.

With two full seasons left on his current deal, The Athletic report that Holding has signed a new long-term contract at Arsenal and ensured his future remains steadfastly in north London.

Is it the right call?

Rob Holding’s New Deal Makes Total Sense

From pretty much every angle, handing Holding a new long-term contract is sensible.

Firstly, from an ability point of view, he’s the best right centre-back at the club. Starting the season out with a back three, having Holding on the right side of that trio suited the Gunners best as he’s the better one-on-one defender at the club.

To account for Hector Bellerin‘s attacking intent, the 25-year-old provided adequate cover in the case of the Spaniard’s forays forward. Even against world class opposition such as Sadio Mane, he stood firm.

In recent weeks, Arsenal have been forced to cling on for points late in matches, and in all of those occasions, Holding has demonstrated fine aerial stability. Pablo Mari is the defender seen to provide the best cover in the air, although Holding has offered equal measures of assurance in that department.

https://twitter.com/btsportfootball/status/1304791172418805760

"According to a source at Arsenal, Holding has “put himself in a position for a new contract after working his way into the team”."

Confidence has been exempt from this squad for months, but it’s clear that as with the rest of the side, the Englishman is rediscovering his own. Various traits of his game are carried out with greater purpose than before.

Aside from talent, Arsenal need to eliminate uncertainty in the squad. For too long players have been able to run down their contracts for one reason or another, eventually leaving on free deals or for fees way below their market value.

Holding is 25, English – an increasingly important factor in a post-Brexit era – well-liked within the group and a dedicated professional. If his performances continue to improve, he could also garner a significant fee. It makes total sense to protect his value.

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.