One former Arsenal star has had a difficult time since leaving the Emirates Stadium.
Mikel Arteta and Arsenal sporting director Edu Gaspar have generally been very savvy in the transfer market in recent times.
The duo have certainly managed to consistently improve the Arsenal squad with each passing transfer window.
For instance, Riccardo Calafiori has impressed Arsenal fans since his arrival this summer. Mikel Merino will also give the Gunners something new in the middle of the park, whilst Raheem Sterling has the capacity to deliver big things.
In order to make room for these new arrivals over the years, Arteta has had to decide which existing Arsenal players have no future in North London and subsequently move them on.
Having slipped down the pecking order, it was decided in the summer of 2023 that Rob Holding was one such player who ought to be sold. The centre-back joined Crystal Palace in a deal worth £4 million, as per the BBC.
What went wrong for Rob Holding at Crystal Palace after Arsenal exit?
At first glance, this looked to be a good deal for all involved. However, nothing has gone according to plan for Holding since his switch to Selhurst Park.
Over a year after his move to South London, he still has just one appearance for the Eagles to his name, coming in the EFL Cup last season.
His lack of involvement has not been due to an injury concern, and given he made 162 appearances for Arsenal he is good enough to play a part for Crystal Palace.
However, TBR Football have now reported that the real reason for Holding’s outcast status is a falling out with manager Oliver Glasner.
They state: “The two had a falling out following their clash with West Ham United back in late August.
“Holding refused to partake in a training/warming down session after the game and has since been training with the youth team.”
At this stage, it seems unlikely that there is any way back for Holding at Crystal Palace and he will surely soon seek another move to get his career back on track elsewhere.
How Mikel Arteta has transformed the Arsenal defence
Holding was always a committed professional at Arsenal, who gave his all when called upon. He also enjoyed some magic moments with the North London club, including playing a key role in the 2017 FA Cup final triumph over Chelsea.
However, in William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhaes, Arsenal boast the best centre-back partnership in the Premier League. Arteta also has the likes of Calafiori, Jurrien Timber, and Ben White, amongst several other quality options, to call upon at the back.
The Spanish coach has built an incredible defence. Arsenal’s clean sheet record speaks for itself, and shows why there was no longer room for Holding in his plans. However, fans of the North London club will be hoping that he can find a way to play football again soon.
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