Holding is holding out

Arsenal centre back Rob Holding is reportedly set to reject the chance to join West Ham on a season-long loan deal.

The Sun suggested that the Hammers had discussed a £5m loan deal to bring Holding to the London Stadium but it appears the player is not keen o the move.

Holding was set to join Newcastle on loan earlier in the window but that move fell through.

Speaking to BT Sport after the Fulham win, Arteta said: “I said to him, change your mind because you are not going anywhere. Rob is another one that stands for every value that we want at the football club.

The 24-year-old knows competition for a centre-back role at Arsenal is tougher than ever but appears to want to stay and fight for a first-team place.

Holding progressed through the Bolton Wanderers youth system, making his senior debut in April 2015 while on loan at Bury. After one season in the Bolton first team, he signed for Premier League club Arsenal in July 2016 for £2m.