Arsenal shut door on defender exit as measly offer ‘far below’ Gunners’ asking price

Arsenal are reportedly expected to turn down a transfer offer from Besiktas for Rob Holding, as it’s ‘far below’ what they value the defender at.

There’s been movement through both doors at the Emirates so far this summer. Two big transfers are officially confirmed, in Kai Havertz and Jurrien Timber – the latter joining today (July 14).

A significant exit has gone through – that of Granit Xhaka to Bayer Leverkusen – while Pablo Mari and Ainsley Maitland-Niles have also departed the club.

And while more inbounds are due – namely Declan Rice – it remains to be seen whether Arsenal will sanction any more exits. They have the chance to, after Besiktas lodged an offer to sign centre-back, Holding.

The Athletic‘s David Ornstein reports Arsenal are ‘expected to reject’ that bid, though. That’s as the Turkish side have bid just €2.5million (approx £2.1million) for the defender, which is said to be ‘far below’ what the Gunners ‘might consider’.

That suggests a higher offer might be mulled over a little bit more. Indeed, Holding has only played a fringe role for the Emirates outfit of late, playing just 14 Premier League games last season.

That Arsenal have now signed Timber gives them more options at the back. The Dutchman, like Ben White, can play as both a centre-back and a right-back.

As such, whichever of that pair isn’t deployed on the right side of the defence can be used as a backup centre-back. That may well mean there are even less minutes for Holding, and a suitable offer could therefore be accepted.

It remains to be seen whether or not Besiktas will come in with a higher offer once Arsenal knock back their initial approach.

That Holding was not included in the Gunners’ squad for their first pre-season game, against Nurnberg, might show them that there’s a deal to be done if they are to increase their offer.

The Turkish side are clearly keen on adding defensive reinforcements to their side, given they’re ‘close to reaching an agreement’ to sign Daniel Amartey on a three-year deal, so a further push for Holding might well be expected.

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