Arsenal are believed to have tabled an official transfer offer, and no, we aren’t talking about Granit Xhaka this time..
The offer that has been made is reportedly for Rob Holding, a centre-back for Bolton. The 20-year-old was awarded player of the year for Bolton, who have been relegated to League One. The relegation is likely to make it easier for Arsenal to sign the defender, whom will not want to play in that division next season.
It is thought that the offer is of just £750,000, but includes bonuses rising up to £5million. Bolton are believed to be trying to negotiate that up to £2.5million initial and £7million with bonuses. The club have accepted they need to sell and defender and just want to raise as much as they can from his sale.
Holding can also play at left or right back, but he is certainly most comfortable in a central role. Arsenal have a lack of young defenders coming through the academy, with Krystian Bielik, originally bought as a midfielder and Calum Chambers, a first team player, playing at the heart of the under 21 defence in recent weeks.
It is likely though that should Holding arrive, he would spend pre-season with Arsenal before going out on loan, most likely to a Championship club.
The Gunners face competition from Bournemouth and Everton for Holding, who is more likely to play first team football sooner at those clubs.
The Gunners are looking for a senior defender to start, but Holding would be one for the future, with Per Mertesacker and Laurent Koscielny both likely to move on within the next three or four years.