Rob Holding moves to Crystal Palace for £1m +£2.5m in addons after a seven-year stint at Arsenal.

• Rob Holding, an occasional starter but consistent contributor for Arsenal, has moved to Crystal Palace in a deal worth around £3.5m in total.
• Despite 162 appearances and a standout 2020-21 season, Holding’s future at Arsenal had long been uncertain due to lack of contract talks.
• The sale is in line with Arsenal’s ongoing efforts to streamline their squad, while it could signify a promising new chapter for Holding at Crystal Palace where he has signed a three-year deal.

Signed from Bolton Wanderers in 2016 for €3m, Rob Holding entered the Arsenal squad as a promising 20-year-old centre-back.

The relatively modest fee raised eyebrows initially, but Holding would go on to become a cherished part of the Arsenal setup.

A fluctuating yet admirable Arsenal tenure

While never solidifying his place in the starting XI during his seven years at the club, Holding’s commitment and quality were evident.

He made 162 appearances for the Gunners, with the 2020-21 season standing out as the high-water mark of his tenure; he played in 30 Premier League matches.

Holding’s future had been a topic of speculation for several transfer windows. And as his contract entered its final year, with no talks of an extension, it seemed inevitable that the club would move him on, especially with Arsenal looking to trim their squad.

What the move means for Arsenal and Crystal Palace

The £4m sale marks the end of an era for Holding at Arsenal, but potentially the beginning of an exciting chapter at Crystal Palace.

As for Arsenal, the sale aligns with their current strategy of squad streamlining.

Holding on the move

“I’m excited to get started and get involved,” said Holding upon putting pen to paper.

“Playing against Crystal Palace the number of years I have, seeing the fans and how intimidating Selhurst Park can be, and how loud it can get, I’m looking forward to being on the right side of that this time!”

Club Chairman Steve Parish commented: “Rob is a player who will bring tremendous quality, possessing considerable Premier League experience for his age. Rob gives us options in two positions at the back, and we warmly welcome him to Crystal Palace.”