Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta believes Rob Holding’s qualities extend far beyond his performance on the field as the centre-back has signed a new long-term contract at Arsenal.
Holding has agreed a deal until 2024, with the option of a further 12 months, having become an integral and influential player under Arteta, just six months after he was mooted to leave the club.
The 25-year-old came close to joining Newcastle on loan in the summer but Arteta wanted to keep hold of the defender and his faith has been rewarded by the defender’s consistency, attitude and presence in the dressing room.
Holding has started 13 Premier League games this term, already seven more than in 2019/20, and has grown into his role as one of Arteta’s leaders, plus also setting standards with his professionalism.
“Since I started as manager, I have been hugely impressed with Rob’s contribution to the club and the dressing room, on and off the pitch,” Arteta said.
“The quality of his work every day on the training pitches is excellent and he is translating this into consistently high performances in matches.
"We all know Rob’s quality, which he has shown in his displays during the intense moments of those two FA Cup final victories.
“We are all very happy that Rob has signed a new contract, he is very popular with all the players and staff, and we’re looking forward to watching him continue to grow with us in the coming years.”
Holding signed for the Gunners from Bolton Wanderers in 2016 and has gradually matured into the centre-back which Arsenal, presumably, see as a key individual in the short, medium and long term.
He's set to anchor the Arsenal defence alongside Pablo Mari on Thursday night against Crystal Palace, and is just four appearances shy of reaching 100 for the Gunners.
A figure that Arsenal will no doubt envisage being more than doubled as he continues his progress under Arteta.
“We are very happy to have signed Rob on a new contract extension. He is 25 years old, so is still coming into the peak of his career, and we are delighted that he’ll be with us during these important years,” technical director Edu added.
“Rob has shown great quality and maturity on and off the pitch in recent months and is developing well. We are looking forward to Rob continuing his progression in the years to come.”
