Arsenal have moved a step closer to announcing another fresh face with the signing of Rob Holding possibly being finalised within the next seven days.
Currently at Bolton Wanderers, the 20-year-old could be packing his bags this week with new boss Phil Parkinson set to bring in his replacement in defence.
The League One club have their sights set on free agent Mark Beevers, who would slot in to cover either one of Holding’s familiar positions at left-back and central defence.
Fresh Arsenal first reported on the chances of signing the defender back at the beginning of May, following his formidable season that won him Bolton’s Player of the Year.
Despite The Trotters dismal end to the campaign that saw them finish bottom of the Championship, Holding was a very rare positive to take with them into relegation.
Holding has also wrapped up a place in the England U21’s squad, and most recently featured as a replacement for Everton man Brendan Galloway in Gareth Southgate’s squad.
With Holding already looking impressive in the Championship, Bolton are now holding out for the best price for their star man, who has been watched by Chelsea and Liverpool.
However, the youngster looks to be heading towards the Gunners as a prospective first team player to replace the likes of Per Metesacker and Laurent Koscielny who will look to move on in two seasons time.
The challenges that Arsenal now have to face is whether or not they can sway Holding into playing U21 football or possibly being loaned back out to a lower established Premier League side.
In this form he’ll want to be playing football regularly and so Arsene Wenger will have to use his trademark negotiation skills to convince Arsenal is the right destination.
Want more Arsenal news like this? Follow us on Twitter and Facebook!