Arteta makes his mind up over "problem player" he was warned about by Keane

30 August 2023 , 00:00

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Arteta makes his mind up over "problem player" he was warned about by Keane

Mikel Arteta has reportedly given Rob Holding permission to seek a move away from Arsenal ahead of Friday's transfer deadline.

Having already spent in excess of £200million this summer, Holding, 27, is one of a handful of players who could be moved by the Gunners in the coming days. The central defender, who moved to the capital from Bolton Wanderers back in 2016, has yet to make an appearance for Arsenal this season.

Although he is not usually a starter at the Emirates, Holding has no shortage of suitors; Spanish outfit Sevilla have registered their interest in Holding, while don't be surprised to see Premier League clubs come calling before the close of the transfer window.

According to The Evening Standard, Arteta has already given his blessing to a potential exit - meaning Holden is free to leave the club if he chooses to do so in the coming days.

Arteta's decision to move Holding on comes three years after he was warned that the defender wasn't good enough to play for Arsenal by Roy Keane. The Irishman branded Holding - alongside David Luiz and Kieran Tierney - as a player who had "big question marks" around him.

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Speaking on Sky Sports back in 2020 after a defeat to Liverpool, Keane said: "There's no getting away from that but [Arteta] will still want some improvement. His hands are tied which is a big problem because he still needs a couple more players in.

Join the debate! Do you think Arsenal should let Holding leave this summer? Let us know here.

Rob Holding could leave Arsenal before the transfer window shuts on Friday night (David Price/Arsenal FC)

"We saw again tonight that defensively – I still think David Luiz, Kieran Tierney and Rob Holding, there's big question marks over them. Luiz still has that mistake in him."

Holding was drafted into an Arsenal side that faltered in the title race during the closing stages of last season following an injury to William Saliba. The defender drew criticism from some fans and pundits due to his performances during the run-in.

Arteta has already strengthened his defence in the summer transfer window with the capture of Jurrien Timber from Ajax. However, the Dutch international is expected to miss the majority of the season after sustaining an ACL injury on his Premier League debut.

It remains to be seen whether or not Arsenal would seek another defender for squad depth if Holding does opt to leave the Emirates before the weekend.

Luton are currently second from bottom in the Premier League after losing their opening two games. Former Manchester United defender Axel Tuanzebe is currently training with the Hatters in a bid to win a contract.

Dan Marsh