Arsenal announce the selling of club’s veteran star

Arsenal have announced the departure of veteran defender Rob Holding on deadline day of the summer transfer window. Holding has joined Crystal Palace in a permanent move, with Palace paying Arsenal £1 million plus £2.5 million in add-ons.

Holding, 27, made 162 appearances for Arsenal during his seven full seasons with the club. He joined Arsenal from Bolton Wanderers in 2016 and was named as their Player of the Season in 2015/16. Holding played a crucial role in Arsenal’s FA Cup victories over Chelsea in 2017 and 2020, as well as their FA Community Shield triumphs in 2017 and 2020.

The former England U-21 international was also part of the side that won the prestigious Toulon Tournament in 2016. Arsenal expressed their gratitude to Holding for his contributions during his time with the club and wished him all the best in his new chapter with Crystal Palace.

The departure of Holding leaves Arsenal with a void to fill in their defensive options. Arsenal will hope that they don’t receive any centre back injuries during this year’s campaign.