Despite claims he would arrive on Tyneside in the ‘coming days’, new reports have emerged that Rob Holding’s loan move to Newcastle United is now in serious danger of collapsing.
According to the Daily Mail, Mikel Arteta has had ‘second thoughts’ about letting the 24-year-old leave on loan after a deal was agreed in principle between Arsenal and Newcastle.
The centre-half has impressed in the Gunner’s pre-season and it’s reported that the Spaniard is yet to decide on his preferred options in defence – resulting in his Newcastle move being put on hold.
The Chronicle have also shared an update on the deal, saying Steve Bruce has been left to wait:
“Newcastle have been left to wait on Rob Holding. Arsenal are considering keeping the defender at the Emirates according to sources in North London – which has left United to look at alternatives.
“Newcastle were expecting to add Holding to their squad in the coming days.”
If Arteta decides to keep him it may mean that we hold on to Schar and Lejuene, although it seems Bruce may just pursue other centre-back options, with us having two domestic loan slots left and previously being linked with a move for Man Utd’s Chris Smalling.
In other news, it does look like Jamal Lewis will be a Newcastle United player in the next 24-48 hours, with him leaving Northern Ireland’s camp on Monday night ahead of a medical on Tyneside on Tuesday.
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