Arsenal have confirmed the signing of England Under-21 defender Rob Holding from League One side Bolton.
The 20-year-old came through the ranks at Bolton before breaking into the first team 12 months ago, and went on to immediately establish himself in the side.
Wanderers finished bottom of the Championship last season as they dropped down to the third tier, but that did not stop Holding picking up the club’s player of the season award.
Details of the move first leaked weeks ago, but Arsenal finally announced the deal on Friday, and although both the fee and length of contract have remained undisclosed by the club, it is reported he cost in the region of £2million.
Versatile defender Holding, who made two appearances for the England U21 squad which won the Toulon Tournament in May, is the Gunners’ third summer signing, following Granit Xhaka and Takuma Asano in moving to the Emirates Stadium.
It remains to be seen if he will be involved with the first team straight away, however.
Bolton tweeted their gratitude to the player following confirmation of the deal.
“Everyone at #BWFC would like to thank @RobHolding95 for his efforts during his time with the club, and wish him well in his future career,” Bolton posted on their official Twitter account.
Arsenal’s own statement on Holding’s signing closed with confirmation the Gunners “remain in the market” for new players, with further attacking options the most likely target before the close of the window.
However, chief executive Ivan Gazidis on Friday cast doubt on fans’ hopes of the club making any more signings this summer.