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Arsenal have confirmed the signing of England Under-21 defender Rob Holding from League One side Bolton, for a reported fee of £2.5 million.

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 as they dropped down to the third tier but that did not stop Holding picking up the club’s player of the season award.

Arsenal announced the signing yesterday, with length of Holding’s contract undisclosed, to make the versatile defender their third summer acquisition.

The 20-year-old follows Granit Xhaka and Takuma Asano in moving to the Emirates Stadium but it remains to be seen if he will be involved with the first team straight away.

He was a late replacement call-up for England’s U21 squad which won the Toulon Tournament in May, making two appearances during the competition.

Bolton have reluctantly sold one of their biggest talents, but took time to wish him well for the future.

‘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 included “Rob is a versatile player, comfortable at both centre back and full back, and we look forward to him joining up with the squad.”

Interestingly, the announcement closed with confirmation that the Gunners “remain in the market” for new players, with further attacking options the most likely target before the close of the window. – SportsMail.