By Pete O'Rourke, Transfer Correspondent

29th Aug, 2023 | 9:26am

Sources: Wolves and Crystal Palace race to sign Arsenal star Rob Holding

Arsenal defender Rob Holding is a target for Wolves, Crystal Palace and Real Betis before the close of the transfer window, sources have told Football Insider.

Holding, 27, is well down the pecking order at Arsenal and the Gunners have told him he can leave on a permanent deal before Friday’s transfer deadline.

Premier League duo Wolves and Palace have registered their interest in Holding, while Spanish outfit Betis are also in pursuit.

Arsenal are looking to balance the books and trim the squad before the transfer window closes.

Holding is one of several players who could depart, and the Gunners would prefer a sale to a loan deal.

The centre-back has entered the final year of his contract at the Emirates after joining from Bolton Wanderers in a £2m move in 2016.

Holding has made 162 appearances during his time at the club and has netted five goals in those outings.

But following the arrivals of Gabriel Magalhaes and William Saliba, Holding has fallen out of favour and has been resigned to the bench in recent seasons.

The defender was handed just 17 minutes of action before Saliba’s injury last term.

Following his teammate’s back injury, Holding played six consecutive 90-minute matches at centre-back.

Earlier this summer (21 May), Football Insider revealed that the Gunners were willing to listen to offers for the defender.

The Gunners have been willing to move on Holding for the duration of the window but he has remained at the Emirates into the start of the season.

In other news, Portsmouth and Cambridge race to sign Arsenal star.