With the transfer window entering its final hours, Mike McGrath has revealed a deal has been struck between Crystal Palace and Arsenal for the transfer of Rob Holding.
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Deal Agreed: Rob Holding is on His Way to Crystal Palace
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Medical is Already Booked
As reported by David Ornstein, a medical has been booked for Rob Holding to complete his move to the Eagles before the transfer window closes on deadline day. The fee Arsenal will receive is thought to be around £4 million and the 27-year-old is in line to receive a three-year deal at Selhurst Park
Read More: ‘Agreement in Place ‘: Crystal Palace Now Close to Signing ‘Exceptional’ Player – Romano
The Athletic reported earlier that talks were taking place between Arsenal and Spanish club Sevilla for the signature of the player currently on £40 thousand a week in North London. However, it appears as though Crystal Palace have taken pole position as they have agreed a fee with Arsenal.
Roy Hodgson Discusses Rob Holding Interest in Pre-Match Press Conference
When asked about the possibility of signing Holding, Hodgson said: “He is a player who has interested us for a while. Dougie Freedman (Crystal Palace Sporting Director) knows him very well.”
With the deal agreed with the Gunners, it seems as though Hodgson has secured the deadline day signing of a player that the club have kept tabs on for a while.
The addition of Holding will further reinforce Palace’s options in defence after the big-money move to bring in Dean Henderson from Manchester United. The 26-year-old goalkeeper was signed on a five-year deal for a fee worth an overall £20 million.
Outgoings the Priority for Arsenal
Incomings don’t seem to be a possibility for Mikel Arteta’s side on deadline day after he said “I don’t expect anybody to come in,” when speaking in his pre-match press conference.
The focus has been on recouping some of the money spent when Arsenal started the window strongly by bringing in Kai Havertz, Declan Rice and Jurrien Timber for fees amounting to around £200 million overall.
On deadline day, left back Nuno Tavares left the club on loan to Nottingham Forest for a loan fee of £1 million and an option to buy for £12 million and £3 million in add-ons. This option can be made an obligation if certain conditions are met.
Featured image: Ank Kumar. CC BY-SA 4.0.