Arsenal defender Rob Holding agrees new long-term contract after impressive run of form

Rob Holding has agreed a new contract at Arsenal just months after considering his future at The Emirates.

The defender, who was subject of interest from other Premier League clubs over the summer and was considering an exit, has turned his fortunes around in north London.

Holding's new deal, which runs until 2024 with an option of an extra year, would bring his time at the club to almost a decade if seen through in its entirety.

Holding was reassured of his place at the club after talks with manager Mikel Arteta and has battled competition from a number of centre-backs at Arsenal, though William Saliba has joined Nice on loan and 32-year-old Sokratis Papastathopoulos is set to depart this month.

Meanwhile, the Gunners were this morning anxiously awaiting the results of a scan on the ankle of youngster Gabriel Martinelli.

The Brazilian was set to start Saturday's FA Cup tie against Newcastle at The Emirates but rolled his ankle during the warm up and left the pitch in tears. The 19-year-old only returned from six months out with a knee injury last month and Arteta was left fearing the worst earlier this week.

“I went to the medical room and he was in tears. It didn't look good," said Arteta.

“He was in a lot of pain and we're going to have to see how he is. He was in pain so I imagine we're not going to have good news with him.”

While Martinelli could be set for another spell out, the Gunners are hoping to welcome summer signing Thomas Partey back to the squad for Thursday's game against Crystal Palace.

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