Arsenal open contract talks with centre-back

Arsenal have opened contract negotiations with defender Rob Holding, a report from Football Insider claims.

The centre-back was fancied to join Newcastle United on loan last summer, but manager Mikel Arteta made a U-turn to keep him.

He has since featured in 11 games in the English top-flight and has regularly been partnered by summer signing Gabriel Magalhaes.

Holding was culpable for an error which led to the own goal in the Everton loss, but it is reported that he is still rated highly by the hierarchy.

His current deal does not expire until the summer of 2023, but the club are prepared to hand him a fresh long-term deal on an improved salary.

The Gunners are scheduled to face Manchester City on the road in tomorrow's League Cup quarter-final.

Magalhaes is expected to partner Holding in the backline after serving a one-game suspension for his sending off against Southampton.

The club have been in poor scoring form in the league with just 12 goals from 14 matches. They will be hoping for better luck tomorrow.