Why Arsenal rejected Besiktas’s bid for their defender
Arsenal reportedly rejected a proposal from Besiktas for defender Rob Holding, as the Turkish giants’ offer fell significantly short of Arsenal’s valuation of the player.
The 27-year-old played a crucial position for Mikel Arteta’s team after William Saliba’s injury in March, starting six Premier League games and scoring one goal in 2022-23.
Despite ultimately losing the league title to Pep Guardiola’s treble-winning Manchester City, Holding was a part of a Gunners team that made significant improvements under Arteta and qualified for the Champions League by finishing second.
The central defender made the move from Bolton Wanderers to the Emirates in the summer of 2016, and has since appeared 162 times for the North London club, claiming two FA Cups in seven years.
According to journalist David Ornstein, Arsenal have denied a formal offer from Besiktas for the services of defender Rob Holding, as the offer fell short of the Gunners’ asking price.
The Turkish Super Lig club reportedly proposed a €2.5 million (£2.1 million) agreement for the former England youth international, but Arteta’s squad reportedly rejected the offer immediately.
With one year remaining on Holding’s contract at the Emirates and the option to extend it by another year, Arsenal are reportedly in no rush to sell the center-back, particularly for a fee as low as £2.1 million.
Kai Havertz joined Arsenal for £65 million from London rivals Chelsea. Arteta’s squad has been exceedingly active during this transfer window, but has only completed one signing so far.
Declan Rice is close to joining the German at the Emirates, but there is presently a delay in providing the necessary paperwork to complete the £105 million transfer of the England international across the capital.
Should Holding remain at Arsenal for the 2023-24 season, he will face increased competition for playing time, as the Gunners are due to confirm the signing of Ajax defender Jurrien Timber.
Although the Dutchman is primarily recognized as a central defender, Arteta reportedly plans to utilize the 22-year-old primarily at right back, a position Ben White occupied for the majority of last season.
Besiktas hopes to contend for the Super Lig championship next season after finishing third in the Turkish top division in 2022-23 behind Galatasaray and Fenerbahce.
The report also claims that Senol Gunes’s side are close to finalizing a deal for former Leicester City enforcer Daniel Amartey. The midfielder is presently a free agent after his contract expired in June.
On Thursday evening, Arsenal opened their preseason schedule with a 1-1 draw at Bundesliga 2 side Nuremberg. Holding was not included in the squad for the match at Max-Morlock Stadion.
Why Arsenal rejected Besiktas’s bid for their defender