Arsenal: 3 players impacted by Ben White transfer

2. Rob Holding

Not only is the question whether White’s potential arrival pushed Holding down to second or third choice right centre-back, but indeed poses the possibility of him being at the club at all.

Signing a new long-term contract back in January, immediate reactions of Arsenal showing ‘no ambition’ or ‘settling for mediocrity’ were tempered by the idea that, just maybe, the club were protecting the value of their asset.

Holding may be tied down for longer but it opens the door for him to be sold at a profit.

How likely is that having had a very decent season and having been part of the third best defence in the division? Arteta certainly does have faith in him and a lot of the noises heading into the coming campaign are that the 25-year-old is due to be part of the new ‘leadership group’ at the club. Also being homegrown strengthens his case.

But if Holding isn’t sold – which seems to be the case unless there are new developments but isn’t out of the question – White will come in and immediately usurp him in the side.

Throughout his time at the club he’s never been seen as anything other than an excellent professional and committed figure. His standing at the club could well change with the arrival of White, as Holding may have seen Luiz’s departure as his chance to stake a claim as the starting option in that role. If that chance is gone and he’s third choice, that surely won’t suffice.