Arsenal prepared to reward defender with new contract?

Arsenal are reportedly prepared to reward Rob Holding with a new and improved contract despite the central defender being on the sidelines with a long-term knee injury.

The young defender has been out of action since damaging his anterior cruciate ligaments against Manchester United in December and he is not expected to return until the opening stages of the 2019/20 campaign.

Despite this, The Mirror claims that Gunners' hierarchy are prepared to discuss a new contract with the centre-back with Unai Emery impressed with his performances whilst he was on the field.

The Gunners had remained unbeaten until Holding was on the field of play but since his injury, things have gone downhill for the team with several under-par performances including a shock defeat at BATE Borisov earlier this month.

Holding currently has more than four years remaining on his existing deal with the club but Arsenal are likely to reward him with a 12-month extension with a likely wage hike.