Arsenal defender Rob Holding looks set to depart the club today, and there is interest from a number of clubs.
It was reported earlier that Crystal Palace had emerged as the frontrunners for his signature, whilst there is also interest from Wolves and Mallorca, with it still unclear whether he will leave permanently or on loan.
Crystal Palace manager Roy Hodgson has now dropped a major hint that the 27-year-old could end up at Selhurst Park by the end of the day, stating in his press conference that he would be a very welcome addition.
“He is a player who has interested us for a while,” he stated.
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“Dougie Freedman knows him very well. If he was available and it’s a deal that is doable I’d be very happy to work with him.
“There is space in the 25-man squad for another player. If it could be Rob we’d be happy with that.”
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Holding could thrive at Palace
Although it is clear that he is no longer at the required level for Arsenal, Holding may benefit from both a fresh start, and a different style of play.
Under Hodgson, he will play a lot deeper than the centre-backs at Arsenal do, and he will not have the additional pressure of having to play the ball out from the back like William Saliba does.
Whilst he was disappointing when attempting to cover following Saliba’s injury last season, he has been a good servant for the club over the years, starting in two FA Cup finals, and a long-term injury in 2018-19 halted his progress as he was becoming a first-team mainstay under Unai Emery.
Arsenal will hope to get a permanent deal done in order to make space in the squad, and this will finally resolve his future now rather than having to find a move for him next summer if he goes on loan.