Arsenal chief Edu sanctions dangerous late transfer to leave Arteta sweating

Arsenal transfer news: Mikel Arteta is set to be short on defensive options (Image: GETTY) Arsenal sporting director Edu is set to sanction a late exit for Rob Holding which will leave Mikel Arteta sweating. The Gunners’ defensive options are set to decrease further as the centre-back closes in on a move to Crystal Palace . Arsenal’s defensive frailties cost them in the title race at the end of last season. The absence of William Saliba for the final two-and-a-half months of the campaign proved to be a decisive factor. Saliba suffered a back injury in mid-March and wasn’t seen again until pre-season. Holding stepped in to replace the Frenchman and was unable to replicate his team-mate’s performances as the Gunners let slip their lead at the top. Holding was eventually taken out of the team and replaced by January signing Jakub Kiwior. It feels like this summer was the right time for Holding to move on after seven years at the Emirates. However, allowing him to do so this late in the window without bringing in a replacement is strange to say the least. Holding is set to undergo a medical at Crystal Palace after a £4million fee was agreed on Friday. Arsenal transfer news: Rob Holding is set to join Crystal Palace (Image: GETTY) But his departure means Arsenal only have six fit defenders heading into the remainder of the season. Summer signing Jurrien Timber is not expected back until March or April at the very earliest after he ruptured his anterior cruciate knee ligament. Timber’s injury was a massive blow to Arteta. The Dutchman can play across the backline, providing quality back-up at right-back, centre-back and left-back. The early signs in pre-season and the first couple of competitive matches of the campaign showed that Timber would prove to be a top signing. However, Arsenal soon realised they would have to do without him for the foreseeable future after his substitution against Nottingham Forest. Reports suggested they explored the market for a short-term replacement but were unable to find the right target. But allowing Holding to leave is a risky move which will leave Arteta sweating on the defenders he does have staying fit.