Arsenal centre-back Rob Holding signed a new long-term deal with the North London giants yesterday, and it is a testament to the impressive campaign he has had so far in 2020-21.
The 25-year-old was on the verge of joining Newcastle United on loan in the summer after the Gunners had signed centre-backs Gabriel Magalhaes and Pablo Mari.
William Saliba was also back from a season-long loan, and Arsenal were starting the season with eight central defenders. The Magpies were leading the race to sign Holding, and despite the fact that he featured in the Community Shield game against Liverpool, he was expected to complete a move to St.