Rob Holding could be set to leave Arsenal this summer, with the club looking to strengthen in his position and a report he is in talks about a move to Besiktas.

At the start of June, John Cross reported for the Mirror that Rob Holding could be another on the list of potential departures from Arsenal this summer, with the Gunners looking to bring in back-up and competition at centre-back – particularly on the right.

Holding, it was reported, would be allowed to move if he wants more minutes, though Cross wrote that it would be an emotional departure, as he’s popular at the club and with his teammates.

His place in the squad is further threatened by Arsenal’s interest in Ajax defender Jurrien Timber.

Now, it seems like that move is getting close to becoming reality with Holding reportedly in talks with Turkish club Besiktas over a potential loan move this summer.

The 27-year-old centre-back managed a decent amount of game-time in the season just finished, racking up just under 1,400 minutes despite not being part of Arteta’s first-choice side and Arsenal’s relatively early exits from the Europa League and the cups.

Holding was particularly involved for Arsenal from late March to the end of April, following William Saliba’s injury.

But Jakub Kiwior found himself preferred in the back four, and further summer additions would seemingly only decrease Holding’s opportunities on the pitch.

Ideally, Kiwior would be utilised as cover at left-centre-back, given he favours his left foot.

So if Arsenal can make a right-sided addition in the summer market, that would put the squad in a good place even if Holding goes.

At that point, a departure for the former England u21 international would make sense, after seven years and 162 appearances for the Gunners.

Arsenal signed Rob Holding from Bolton Wanderers on July 22, 2016. The exact fee wasn’t publicly disclosed, but it was reported to be around £2 million, which was expected to potentially rise based on the player’s performance and other factors.

On January 12, 2021, Arsenal announced that Holding had signed a long-term contract which, according to reports, could keep him at the club until 2024.

Despite having just a year left on his contract, Holding is expected to sign an extension if a loan deal is agreed upon.