Arsenal player in shock talks to join Turkish giants Besiktas on loan

The centre back could leave the Emirates Stadium on loan with his minutes this season set to be reduced by the imminent arrival of Jurrien Timber from Ajax.

The Daily Express report that the 27-year-old Englishman is in talks with the Super Lig giants, while Celtic have also registered an interest in his services.

Holding has a year left on his current Arsenal contract, with the option of a further season.

The centre-back made 24 appearances in all competitions last term, but is widely considered to have not proved himself an able deputy for the injured William Saliba in the Gunners title run-in.

Instead, manager Mikel Arteta is looking for reinforcements in the shape of Netherlands international Timber.

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talkSPORT understands that Arsenal are confident of landing the 22-year-old, having already lodged a £30million bid that was turned down.

Timber will reinforce a back line that conceded the third fewest goals in the division last season.

Arsenal are pushing to secure the long-term future of Saliba, despite interest from Real Madrid.

Gabriel Magalhaes, Jakub Kiwior and Ben White cap off the side's centre back options, although the latter spent last season at right-back.

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Arteta's players will have an increased workload next season after securing a return to European football, finishing second in the Premier League and qualifying for the 2023/24 Champions League group stages.

To help them do that, Kai Havertz is set to join from Chelsea in a £65m deal, while Arsenal are also battling Manchester City for West Ham's Declan Rice.