Arsenal: Community Shield performances praised by pundit
Newcastle have been dealt with a transfer blow as Arsenal have changed their minds about letting Rob Holding go. Holding was linked with a season-long loan move to St James' Park in the summer transfer window after falling down the pecking order in Mikel Arteta's defence.
The Gunners are at full capacity at the back after the £27million arrival of Gabriel Magalhaes from Lille and William Saliba's return from a loan spell at St-Etienne.
Arteta also has the likes of David Luiz, Sokratis Papastathopoulous, Shkodran Mustafi, Calum Chambers and Pablo Mari to choose from.
However, the north Londoners are currently listening to offers for Sokratis, Mustafi as well as Chambers and that has opened more space in the squad for Holding.
Arteta also hinted that the centre-back was ahead of his fellow defenders in the pecking order as he started in the Community Shield clash against Liverpool at Wembley alongside Kieran Tierney and Luiz at the back.where he delivered a solid display.
Arsenal ace Rob Holding has been linked with a move to Newcastle (Image: GETTY)
According to Sky Sports, Arsenal have decided to hold on to the 24-year-old, who appeared to be on his way to Newcastle.
If the Gunners end up keeping Holding then that would be a major transfer blow for the Toon who are eager to complete some signings following recent injuries.
Newcastle manager Steve Bruce previously said: "We have picked up two or three injuries which are unfortunate.
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Newcastle boss Steve Bruce is targeting Rob Holding (Image: GETTY)