Arsenal near Rob Holding signing

Arsenal are reportedly close to securing the services of Bolton Wanderers defender Rob Holding.

The 20-year-old has been on the Gunners radar over the past year, and it is now thought that the club have stepped up their interest in his signature.

Widespread sources claim that the youngster has undergone a successful medical at the North London outfit after Bolton agreed on a £2m sum for his sale.

Holding, who can feature at either centre-back or right-back, has been with the Trotters since the age of seven. He was also named the Trotters' Player of the Year last term as they were relegated to the third tier of English football.

The youngster could get his first taste of Premier League football next season, should an injury crisis prevail at the Emirates.