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?

<p>Arsenal are still seeking another right centre-back in the coming, and current, windows, one to fill <a href=https://paininthearsenal.com/2021/01/01/arsenal-rob-holding-long-term-contract/"https://paininthearsenal.com/2020/12/31/arsenal-sead-kolasinac-squad-clearout/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">the spaces left</a> by David Luiz and <a href=https://paininthearsenal.com/2021/01/01/arsenal-rob-holding-long-term-contract/"https://fbref.com/en/players/3f2d59fe/Shkodran-Mustafi?utm_campaign=Linker&amp;utm_source=direct&amp;utm_medium=linker-%22 target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Shkodran Mustafi</a>.</p> <p>Calum Chambers has returned from injury but he too comes into a period of uncertainty.</p> <p>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.</p> <p>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.</p> <div class="fs-shortcode" data-type="StoryLink" data-theme="dark" data-text="Arsenal Club Awards 2020" data-url="https://paininthearsenal.com/2020/12/31/arsenal-15-club-awards-2020/" data-call-to-action="Next"> <div class="story-link-next"> <a class="story-link-next-btn" style="background: #c01f2f" data-track="shortcode" data-track-action="story-link-next-shortcode" href=https://paininthearsenal.com/2021/01/01/arsenal-rob-holding-long-term-contract/"https://paininthearsenal.com/2020/12/31/arsenal-15-club-awards-2020/"> <span class="call_to_action">Next:</span> Arsenal Club Awards 2020 </a> </div> </div> <p>Giving him a new deal does no harm whatsoever. In fact, it’s the smart move.</p><!—pageview_candidate—>">