ARSENAL are set to reward Rob Holding with a new long-term contract, reports claim.
Boss Mikel Arteta was previously unsold on the 6ft 2in defender.
Holding has won the trust of boss Mikel ArtetaCredit: EPA
But after his performances in the wake of a number of defensive injuries at Arsenal, Arteta has been won around by the 25-year-old.
Newcastle had hoped to pinch the former Bolton centre-back on loan this month.
But according to The Telegraph, the Gunners are set to hand Holding a ‘long-term extension’.
His current deal is set to expire in June 2023.
Holding has endured an injury-plagued spell at the Emirates since signing from the Trotters in 2016.
He suffered a ruptured cruciate ligament in December 2018, which kept him out of action for several months.
In all, he has managed only 95 Gunners appearances in four-and-a-half years with the club.
He has started nine of their last ten in the Premier League, however.
Holding, 25, recently wore the captain’s armband against EvertonCredit: PA:Press Association
And he was even rewarded with the captain’s armband for the trip to Everton last month.
Earlier in the campaign, Arteta, 38, publicly praised his No16.
He said: “He had a really difficult time but he trained and pursued his dream to play for this football club.”
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Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
