Newcastle close in on deal to beat Leeds to signing of Arsenal defender

Rob Holding

Newcastle are closing in on the signing of Rob Holding on a season-long loan from Arsenal, according to reports.

Holding is slipping down the pecking order at the Emirates Stadium, having only managed eight Premier League appearances last season. It was the lowest league appearance tally of his four years at Arsenal.

With Arsenal hoping to sign Gabriel Magalhaes, there will soon be even more competition for places in their defence. And that means Holding will have to look elsewhere for regular football.

According to The Athletic, Newcastle are ready to offer him a solution. The website claims the Magpies are close to agreeing a loan deal for Holding.

It marks a turn of events for the 24-year-old, who had been a target for Leeds. However, Robin Koch looks likely to join the promoted club instead.

Therefore, Newcastle have taken advantage of the situation. Steve Bruce has been searching for a new defender, and a loan for Holding seems to be the most attainable option.

Holding fits in with Bruce’s plan to build a British core at Newcastle. The club are also in the running for Callum Wilson, Ryan Fraser, Jamal Lewis and Ainsley Maitland-Niles, according to the Daily Mail.

It is unlikely that Newcastle will be able to afford deals for all of those players. But the Mail insist that a striker will be the next priority for Bruce, because Dwight Gayle faces an extended spell on the sidelines.

Arsenal decision on Holding imminent

Arsenal will make a final decision on Holding after the Community Shield, a game in which he started. Even if they let him leave, they are unlikely to give Newcastle an option to buy in his loan deal.

Reports last week confirmed that Holding is one of 10 players Arsenal are looking to shift in order to make room for Gabriel Magalhaes, who is set to arrive from Lille.

Even though Mikel Arteta has denied a deal is finalised, it appears Arsenal have beaten off a lot of competition and will be able to unveil Gabriel soon.