Arsenal willing to sell defender this summer

Arsenal’s hopes of winning the Premier League title were ended on Saturday as they fell to a 1-0 defeat against Nottingham Forest. 

The result, which ensured Forest will remain in the top flight next season, ended the Gunners’ pursuit of a first title in more than three decades, with Manchester City crowned champions.

Mikel Arteta’s side had topped the table for the majority of the season but were leapfrogged by reigning champions City last month and will now have to settle for second place.

The Spaniard will likely already be looking ahead to the upcoming summer transfer window, although it appears that the north London side could let one of their defenders leave.

As per Football Insider, the Gunners could allow defender Rob Holding to leave when the transfer window opens.

The report claims that the 27-year-old could be allowed to leave The Emirates this summer if a suitable replacement can be found.

Holding could leave Arsenal this summer

Holding joined Arsenal from Bolton Wanderers in 2016 but has largely played a bit-part role throughout his time in the capital.

In total, the centre-back has made 162 appearances for the Gunners, including 24 across all competitions so far this season.

The Englishman is behind both Gabriel and William Saliba in the pecking order at The Emirates, although he has featured more regularly since the latter suffered an injury last month.

Arsenal did sign Jakub Kiwior from Italian side Spezia in January, but the report claims that Arsenal will look to sign a replacement for Holding if he does leave the club this summer.

At present the defender is contracted to Arsenal until the summer of 2024, which means he could leave the club for free next year.

He would also be able to sign a pre-contract agreement with any foreign club from January, so Arsenal may opt to sell him this summer to avoid losing him for free in 12 months.