It's been quite a summer for Newcastle United.Last season ended in mediocre fashion after finishing in 13th place in the Premier League - a position that was something of a relief given the club's flirtation with relegation.The hope was that a £300million takeover would be something of a game-changer as the Tynesiders took on the idea of being the richest club in England.But that didn't come to fruition.Since then the club have taken a cautious approach to the new season, with Mark Gillespie and Jeff Hendrick joining the club on a free transfer.With supporters getting worried about what could be in store this season, the club pressed on with three excellent signings in the shape of Callum Wilson, Ryan Fraser and Jamal Lewis.However it seems that the club are far from done.Newcastle are keen to strengthen their squad further and have been linked with several players.
One of those is Rob Holding.The Arsenal defender looked set to be available to move on after falling down the pecking order at the Emirates Stadium.Described by Darren Bent as 'a really, really good player', the centre-back is highly-regarded by Mikel Arteta, but looked set to have limited game time.At least that was the case until now.With David Luiz facing a lengthy spell on the sidelines with a neck injury, it means that Holding could now be part of Arteta's plans for the season.
Ornstein tweeted: "Irrespective of David Luiz's injury Mikel Arteta has made clear he wants Rob Holding as a centre-back option this season.
"The 24 year-old is now expected to stay at Arsenal rather than join Newcastle on loan.
"He’s also in line to start at Fulham on Saturday."
GIVEMESPORT'S Phil Spencer says...
This is a real shame for Newcastle United.
Steve Bruce is determined to add a central defender to his squad for this season, and Rob Holding looked like the ideal solution.
But it seems that it's not going to happen.
With Arsenal facing an injury to David Luiz you can't blame them for keeping hold of Holding - after all, he is contracted to them.
But whether he'll get the amount of first team football that he wants remains to be seen.
For Newcastle they'll now how to shop around and find a different option in order to plug that gap.