Arsenal make U-turn regarding Rob Holding's future

Premier League giants Arsenal have made a dramatic U-turn on Rob Holding's proposed loan move to Newcastle United, according to reports. 

It is understood the England defender was close to sealing a loan switch to St James' Park for the season. But as per reports, the Gunners have backed away from making a decision just yet. 

Reports claim that Mikel Arteta has had second thoughts about letting Holding go.

The Englishman looked set to be surplus to requirements at the Emirates this season with a temporary switch to Newcastle expected to be completed. The likes of Pablo Mari, William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhaes have all been added to the Arsenal squad, bolstering their defense to a great extent. 

The three moves have taken Arteta's total list of center-backs to eight. David Luiz, Shkodran Mustafi, Sokratis and Calum Chambers are the other four.

Kieran Tierney can also play in a back three while Konstantinos Mavropanos is already out on loan with Stuttgart. 

Mustafi's injury led to Holding feature in the FA Cup final against Chelsea. 

His performance at Wembley, backed up by another strong display at the national stadium in the FA Community Shield against Liverpool, helped the Gunners to back-to-back trophies. 

Now 24-year-old may well have forced himself into contention to play an important role under Arteta this season.

Mustafi will miss the beginning of the campaign due to the hamstring tear he suffered last season. 

So following his fine form, the former Bolton defender could get the nod to start in the Premier League curtain-raiser on Saturday. 

The Gunners kick-off the new campaign with a trip across London to newly-promoted Fulham for a lunchtime clash. 

For Newcastle, however, the hunt for another central defender continues. 

Steve Bruce's side have had an excellent week in the transfer window with Bournemouth pair Ryan Fraser and Callum Wilson signing while Norwich full-back Jamal Lewis is also set to follow the suit.

Featured image credits - ESPN