Arsenal are prepared to take a risk with one big sale across the capital
(Image credit: Stuart MacFarlane/Arsenal FC via Getty Images)
Arsenal could be set to let a defender leave on Deadline Day across London, as Mikel Arteta takes a gamble ahead of the new season.
The Gunners have had a busy window, bringing £200 million worth of talent, as Declan Rice, Kai Havertz, Jurrien Timber and David Raya all came through the door. Outgoings have been the priority of late, however, with Folarin Balogun and Kieran Tierney both exiting the club.
But with Timber out for a number of months with an ACL injury, it looks as if Arsenal might be short at the back. Arteta is prepared to take a risk, too, by sanctioning the sale of an experienced leader in defence in order to recoup some capital.
Jurrien Timber of Arsenal looks to be out for a long time (Image credit: Getty Images)
According to The Mail, Arsenal are set to let Rob Holding leave on Deadline Day, with Crystal Palace favourites for his signature.
The Eagles are looking to strengthen at the back and with Holding omitted from Arteta's recent squads, it looks as if his seven-year Emirates Stadium career could be drawing to a close.
VIDEO: Every Major Transfer That Could Happen On Deadline Day
Signed from Bolton Wanderers for just £2m, letting Holding go could prove to be a slight risk on Arteta's part. The centre-back was called upon towards the end of last season when there was an injury crisis at London Colney and he featured in the first team.
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Arsenal now have the likes of William Saliba, Gabriel, Takehiro Tomiyasu, Ben White and Jakub Kiwior ahead in the pecking order, with academy prospect Reuell Walters coming through.
Rob Holding looks to be leaving Arsenal today (Image credit: Getty)
Arsenal may yet bring in another midfielder on deadline day.
Mark White has been at on FourFourTwo since joining in January 2020, first as a staff writer before becoming content editor in 2023. An encyclopedia of football shirts and boots knowledge – both past and present – Mark has also represented FFT at both FA Cup and League Cup finals (though didn't receive a winners' medal on either occasion) and has written pieces for the mag ranging on subjects from Bobby Robson's season at Barcelona to Robinho's career. He has written cover features for the mag on Mikel Arteta and Martin Odegaard, and is assisted by his cat, Rosie, who has interned for the brand since lockdown.
