Arsenal defender Rob Holding has signed a new long-term contract at Emirates Stadium.
The 25-year-old has put pen-to-paper on a three-and-a-half year deal through to the summer of 2024, with the option of a further year.
The former Bolton defender reportedly came close to leaving the club on loan over the summer but has established himself in the Gunners first team under Mikel Arteta this season, making more Premier League appearances than any other central defender so far.
“Since I started as manager, I have been hugely impressed with Rob’s contribution to the club and the dressing room, on and off the pitch. The quality of his work every day on the training pitches is excellent and he is translating this into consistently high performances in matches," said Arsenal boss Arteta.
Technical director Edu added: “We are very happy to have signed Rob on a new contract extension. He is 25 years old, so is still coming into the peak of his career, and we are delighted that he’ll be with us during these important years.
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"Rob has shown great quality and maturity on and off the pitch in recent months and is developing well. We are looking forward to Rob continuing his progression in the years to come.”
Holding has made nearly 100 appearances for Arsenal since joining from Bolton ahead of the 2016-17 season and was part of the Gunners side that beat Chelsea to lift the FA Cup at the end of that campaign.
However, the following year he suffered a ruptured anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee that would keep him out of action for nine months.
He returned to fitness in September 2019 and won his second FA Cup medal at the end of last season as the Gunners once again overcame Chelsea at Wembley.
Despite that success Holding was rumoured to be considering his future at the club during the close season as he wanted guaranteed first-team football. Newcastle were tipped to sign him on loan but Arteta ruled out a move, with Holding since becoming a regular in the side.
"We all know Rob’s quality, which he has shown in his displays during the intense moments of those two FA Cup final victories," said Arteta.
"We are all very happy that Rob has signed a new contract, he is very popular with all the players and staff, and we’re looking forward to watching him continue to grow with us in the coming years.”