Arsenal defender Rob Holding is expected to leave the club this summer, whether that’s permanently or on a loan deal.

Ed Aarons of The Guardian reports that Rob Holding is expected to leave Arsenal this summer, either permanently or on loan.

Holding has a deal with his current club until 2024, with an option for a further year should Arsenal wish to activate it, having extended his deal in 2021.

So both a permanent deal and a loan move are on the table, with that option to extend giving Arsenal the flexibility to make either alternative work.

The manner of Holding’s departure will likely depend on the offers Arsenal receive, as they’ll want to maximise their intake for an experienced homegrown 27-year-old.

As for why Holding is on the way out, it seems that Arsenal are willing to put their faith in their other defensive options.

Gabriel Magalhaes and William Saliba were the starting centre-back pair for much of last season, prior to Saliba’s injury.

With Saliba now back out on the training pitches at London Colney and reportedly on the verge of signing his new contract, they’re likely to start the new season back together again.

Then there’s Jakub Kiwior, who finished the season in the team. Takehiro Tomiyasu is returning from injury with Saliba, and has plenty of experience at centre-back. Ben White is also capable of playing a central role.

In addition, Arsenal are closing in on the signing of Jurrien Timber. Even Kieran Tierney can play at centre-back if he needs to, assuming he does stick around beyond the summer.

Arsenal may have been a bit short at the back towards the end of the last campaign, but they’ve addressed that now.

If Holding wants to play regular minutes, a transfer makes sense.