According to Daily Mail, Leeds United are considering a move for Rob Holding. The Arsenal centre-back has been identified as one of the club’s potential targets as Marcelo Bielsa looks to add more reinforcements in the defensive unit this summer, even though re-signing Ben White from Brighton & Hove Albion remains the top priority.
Rob Holding’s Revival At Arsenal
Holding was almost a forgotten figure at Arsenal due to his relentless injury problems throughout his career. While a series of misfortunes did plague his spell at Emirates, the defender was, however, lucky to re-establish himself f as a first-team option at the club this year.
Indeed, the injuries to Arsenal’s key defenders like Pablo Mari and Calum Chambers had already left manager Mikel Arteta shorthanded in the defensive unit. It was combined with the Spaniard shifting to a back-three that required an additional centre-back. He also opted not to play Sokratis while Shkodran Mustafi picked up an injury against Manchester City, in the FA Cup.
As a result, Holding was gifted with a fair amount of first-team opportunities. And the defender didn’t disappoint either, playing a key role in wins over Liverpool and Chelsea.
However, it seems the 24-year-old may once have to be content with a sporadic role in the Arsenal as players like Mari could return to full fitness while William Saliba is set to return from his loan spell at St. Ettienne. Also, the Gunners are more than expected to sign a new centre-back this summer.
Why Holding Is A Viable Target For Leeds United
While Arsenal regaining strength in the defensive unit could drastically minimise Holding’s gametime, a move to Leeds United could bode well for all parties involved. The Whites, in particular, are severely lacking depth in the defensive department, with Liam Cooper the only viable option at centre-back.
Holding, in that regard, should add more depth to the side. He has an ample amount of experience at the highest level of football that should be useful to an otherwise inexperienced Leeds United setup.
But more importantly, the 24-year-old has the determination and the commitment to tune in perfectly well under the leadership of Bielsa. In addition, his physical and aerial prowess could add more steel to the Leeds backline that has already performed well in the Championship this past season. Also, Holding is comfortable playing out from the back and given Bielsa’s demands, that would fit in perfectly with his tactics.
That being said, the Whites must still look to secure the services of White permanently as they desperately need someone who can provide the technical essence in the backline.
