Holding Officially Leaves For Arsenal

Rob Holding finally left Bolton Wanderers today, after his move to Arsenal was confirmed.

Holding’s departure was on the cards since May, when he was left out of the squad against Fulham. Arsenal always seemed the most likely destination, but bids had come in from two other Premier League clubs. Everton, Tottenham, Bournemouth and Celtic had all been linked with him at some point over the summer.

Holding posted a statement on his Twitter account, saying: ‘I’ve had so many great memories and the club will always have a place in my heart. Thanks to their fans for their fantastic support, and I’m sure with the new staff and players in place they are ready to bounce back and will take the club back to where it belongs!’

The deal, according to the Bolton News, is a £2 million up front fee, with a sell on percentage and extras depending on how the player progresses.

For that and for him, we hope he does well. There is always that fear like a lot of young players who join a big club, he will be spat out and not make an impact out of the club. I still would have prefered him to stay on for a year or so. Maybe if we were still a Championship club this would have been the case. Arsenal have given him the number 16 shirt, an indication that he will be given a chance to prove himself in first team games.

Good luck Rob, and thanks for your service, however brief.