Former Gunner frozen out, could leave for MLS | OneFootball

Former Gunner Rob Holding is attracting interest from MLS sides after being frozen out at Crystal Palace and spending the second half of last season on loan at Sheffield United.

Photo via Holding on Instagram

The former Arsenal defender played just once for Palace after a reported fall-out with Oliver Glasner, spending time with the club’s U21s before a deadline day move to Bramall Lane.

After failing to secure promotion, Chris Wilder admitted, “Rob is just a straight loan until the end of the season, but he’s certainly someone we’d be interested in if the loan goes well.” However, Wilder was sacked in June.

Holding made 10 appearances and registered one assist for United, who finished third in the Championship but failed to secure promotion. His contract runs until 2026, but a departure now looks likely as he recovers from surgery on an ankle problem.

Photo by Catherine Ivill/Getty Images

Holding joined Arsenal from Bolton Wanderers in July 2016 for a reported fee of just £2 million, a price tag that would become the subject of one of Arsène Wenger’s more memorable quips.

Initially seen as a squad player, Holding impressed in his debut season, notably starting in Arsenal’s 2017 FA Cup Final win over Chelsea. His composure, reading of the game and willingness to play out from the back earned early praise, and he formed part of a back three alongside Per Mertesacker and Nacho Monreal that helped Arsenal to a 2–1 win at Wembley.

Wenger, speaking later that summer amid criticism of Arsenal’s transfer business, hit back at pundits calling for big-money signings by saying:

“I am sorry he didn’t cost £55 million, so he can’t be good.”

It was a pointed and sarcastic defence of Holding’s quality in the face of Premier League spending inflation.

Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images

Holding’s Arsenal career, however, was ultimately disrupted by injury and inconsistency. He suffered a serious anterior cruciate ligament injury in December 2018 against Manchester United, ruling him out for the rest of the season. Though he returned and was handed a new long-term contract, he never fully recaptured the momentum of his early years.

By the time he left for Crystal Palace in 2023, Holding had made 162 appearances for Arsenal and won two FA Cups and two Community Shields.

While never the most glamorous name in the squad, he was a reliable professional and a favourite among teammates and fans for his attitude and commitment.