Arsenal open to Rob Holding sale after Ben White transfer

William Saliba Would Take Rob Holding’s Place at Arsenal

Holding departing would balance out the centre-back department perfectly. With Gabriel and Pablo Mari stocking up the left side, Saliba, who can cover either, and White on the right with Calum Chambers able to slot into central defence, the numbers stack up.

It’s essentially a 38-game season with the occasional domestic cup dabble here and there, where you’d expect Mari and Saliba to play most often, although with cover for injuries either have every chance of playing in the Premier League.

This is all, however, on the basis that Holding is the one to leave. Mari should be easy enough to shift upon White’s arrival with Spain and even Brazil more than happy take him on, even if a financial loss would be expected. Yet Arteta’s desire for a left-footer on that side means Holding and Saliba are the most likely.

All the reports over the past few days lean heavily on it being the Frenchman who will depart in some capacity this summer, and if so Holding will undoubtedly stay at the club. There is absolutely no need for further surgery in that department with vital work needing to be done elsewhere.

With the clubs interested in Saliba’s signature hitting into double figures with everyone from Southampton to Strasbourg eyeing him this summer, the number of suitors makes Arsenal’s job much easier.

Were there to be an English side making early inquiries for Holding, however, then the profit that would be made on his sale would surely entice more than any hit that would inevitably come from parting with their £27m man.