Arsenal defender wanted by Aston Villa

Arsenal defender Rob Holding has emerged as a surprise target for Aston Villa following a long-term injury for Diego Carlos.

Carlo was Villa's marquee signing from Sevilla this summer, but the centre-back is now sidelined with a serious Achilles injury.

This will force the Midlands outfit into the transfer market, and according to Estadio Deportivo, Holding is an option for the club.

Holding has been a quality deputy for the Gunners over the past few years, but he is now regarded as the fourth-choice centre-back.

Despite this, the Gunners will be wary of sanctioning his departure, considering the prospect of injuries within the squad.

Gabriel Magalhaes and William Saliba are currently the regular central defenders. Ben White has been forced to play at right-back.

The trio are clearly ahead of Holding in the pecking order, but the Gunners have heavy workload with Europa League football this term.

Unless the north London giants pursue another centre-back, we don't see the prospect of Holding leaving the club before the deadline.