Arsenal star Rob Holding in talks to join Besiktas on loan as Mikel Arteta clears the way for Jurrien Timber

Arsenal defender Rob Holding is reportedly in talks to join Besiktas on a season-long loan amid the Gunners' interest in signing Jurrien Timber.

The Gunners launched a £30 million proposal to sign Timber from Ajax last week, as reported by The Athletic, but it was turned down by the Dutch giants.

But the 22-year-old centre-back appears to be edging closer to a move to the Emirates Stadium. The Daily Mail revealed on Monday that Arsenal had submitted a £41.5 million bid for the Netherlands international, who is said to be keen on joining the club.

Although the offer will fall short of Ajax's £50 million valuation, Arsenal are said to be 'hopeful' that a positive conclusion can be reached in negotiations this week, with personal terms close to being agreed.

The signing of Timber, who can play right-back and centre-back, would likely mean one of the Gunners' existing defenders will leave to make way for the Netherlands star.

And it appears that Holding could be the player to depart north London - at least temporarily.

Holding 'in talks with Besiktas'

According to the Daily Express, Holding is talks over joining Turkish Super Lig side Besiktas for the entirety of the 2023/24 season, despite previous reports of interest from Scottish giants Celtic.

It is claimed that the England centre-back has been told he can leave the club in order to find regular first team football.

Holding deputised for the injured William Saliba last season, starting six consecutive Premier League matches.

But he was dropped for the 3-1 win over Chelsea in May, and was an unused substitute for each of his side's final four fixtures of the campaign.

The 27-year-old is one of Arsenal's longest-serving players, after being signed by Arsene Wenger from Bolton for a fee of £2 million in 2016.

He has made 162 appearances for the club in all competitions. He also represented England U21s, but has never received a cap for the senior team.

It is claimed that if Holding joins Besiktas for a season, he would likely sign an extension to his Gunners contract beforehand to ensure that his value to the club does not decreased.