Rob Holding admits to almost leaving in January

Rob Holding was close to leaving Arsenal in January after a lack of playing time, but Arsene Wenger convinced him to stay.

Rob Holding has been a revelation for Arsenal and one of the few bright sparks in a dismal season for the Gunners. As the England u-21 defender prepares to start in what would be the biggest match of his young career, the FA Cup final against Chelsea, he has admitted that he almost left in the winter transfer window.

Speaking to The Evening Standard, he was quoted as saying, "I didn't leave in January as the boss wanted me around the team. He saw me playing. I just had to listen to him and keep working hard on the things he mentioned. That has spoken for itself over the last few games." 

The last few games that Holding spoke off refers primarily to the defender's crucial role in making Arsene Wenger's 3-5-2 system work. The ball-playing ability and speed of Holding allowed him to fit comfortably in a back three alongside Shkodran Mustafi and Laurent Koscielny.

Holding looked particularly impressive in Arsenal's final game of the season as he neutralized Everton's top scorer Romelu Lukaku. The system has reaped rewards for Wenger as Arsenal had a late surge in form in the league and almost qualified for the Champions League at Liverpool's expense. 

According to The Evening Standard, a string of Championship clubs were interested in acquiring the services of the former Bolton defender in January.

As Arsenal sweat over their defence after Laurent Koscielny's suspension in addition to Gabriel's and Mustafi's fitness, Holding looks set to be one of the key figures for Arsenal in their bid to beat Chelsea for the FA Cup trophy this Sunday.