Everton should consider a move for Arsenal centre-back Rob Holding this summer.
Rob Holding is considered surplus to requirements at Arsenal, and is available to any potential suitors. However, the Gunners will be determined to fetch a reasonable price for the defender after Besiktas had their £2 million bid swiftly dismissed. This uncertainty over Holding’s future offers the opportunity for Everton to present themselves as a potential destination.
There is room in Sean Dyche’s squad for another centre-back, following the departure of Yerry Mina. Whilst there isn’t a huge amount of money to spend at Goodison Park, the Merseyside club could certainly do better than Besiktas’ offering.
Arsenal haven’t put a fixed price tag on Holding, but football journalist Charles Watts, speaking to TeamTalk, had this to say about the bid from the Turkish club: “it’s a shocking bid…Holding can definitely go this summer, 100 percent…but someone’s going to have to pay a hell of a lot more than £2million to get that done.”
Why Rob Holding would be a great fit for Everton
Holding has slipped down the pecking order at the Emirates Stadium under Arteta. Whilst he has had some fine recent performances, and was even described as “brilliant” by the Spanish coach following his display against Crystal Palace last season, he’s just not a good tactical fit for the Gunners. Arsenal have built a defence around pace and ball-playing ability, whereas Holding is altogether more old-school.
That’s what makes him ideal for Dyche. Whilst the 27-year-old is competent in possession, he excels when asked to defend with his back against the wall and be aerially dominant. For a club whose aim is to steer clear of relegation, rather than fight for the title, that’s exactly what’s required. Holding has what it takes to thrive in a Dyche system and make the Toffees more solid at the back.
Everton will have to significantly outdo Besiktas’ bid to get a deal done, but the opportunity is there and Everton would be wise to take it.