Arsenal defender Rob Holding has revealed he was on the verge of a loan move to Newcastle this summer, before eventually staying in north London and establishing himself as a starter.
Holding signed a new three-and-a-half year deal until the summer of 2024 this week, a reward for a season in which the 25-year-old has become a fixture in the Gunners line-up.
However his path to becoming a regular wasn't always clear, with the club recently signing Gabriel Magalhaes, Pablo Mari and William Saliba in defence.
Editors' Picks
Holding thought he may have to go elsewhere to find regular minutes and, speaking to The Telegraph, he said a move to the Magpies was near completion just months ago.