Rob Holding set for Crystal Palace medicals ahead of Arsenal departure | OneFootball

Arsenal defender Rob Holding is on the verge of completing a permanent £4 million move to Crystal Palace, according to The Athletic.

The 27-year-old will undergo a medical examination before signing a three-year deal with the south London club.

Holding’s omission from the Gunners’ squad in their opening three Premier League fixtures this season signalled a potential departure.

The player had attracted interest from several clubs, including Besiktas, Luton Town, Sevilla and Palace.

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta appears to have given Holding his blessing to explore new opportunities beyond the Emirates Stadium.

This move is a significant shift in Holding’s career, who has been with Arsenal since joining from Bolton Wanderers in 2016.

Palace manager Roy Hodgson said: “He is a player who has interested us for a while. Dougie Freedman (Palace’s sporting director) knows him very well.

“We’re working on the basis that you can’t have too many quality players in your squad. If he was available, and it’s a deal that is doable, I’d be very happy to work with him.

“Our squad is not that massive, and there is space in the 25-man squad for another player. If it could be Rob, we’d be happy with that.”

Holding has made 162 appearances for Arsenal, notably winning two FA Cups and three Community Shields.

However, the changing dynamics within the Arsenal squad have led to his exit, with Palace now providing a fresh opportunity for the English defender.

The defender will be a useful acquisition for Palace, boosting their bid to challenge for a top-half finish.