Rob Holding 'expected to leave' Arsenal this summer as Mikel Arteta clears the way for Jurrien Timber

Arsenal defender Rob Holding has been tipped to leave the Emirates this summer as Mikel Arteta clears the way for Jurrien Timber.

The Gunners are keen to sign Ajax centre-back Timber this summer, with The Athletic's David Ornstein reporting last month that they had submitted an opening bid of £30 million to the Dutch club.

Dutch outlet De Telegraaf previously claimed that Ajax wanted £50m for the Netherlands international, although talks have advanced since then, with Timber having already agreed personal terms with the north London club.

The Daily Mail claim that both sides have now reached a verbal agreement on a deal initially worth £40 million.

The report adds that Timber could be officially announced this week should all formalities be completed, following the arrival of Kai Havertz from Chelsea.

Meanwhile, Arsenal have 'reached a compromise' with West Ham over a deal for Declan Rice, with the 24-year-old set to undergo a medical at London Colney this week.

However, with a number of new faces expected to join the Gunners this summer, some old ones must leave, with Holding allegedly one of them.

Holding 'expected to leave' Arsenal

The Guardian's Ed Aaron's broke the news, tweeting: "Understand that Rob Holding is expected to leave Arsenal this summer, either permanently or on loan."

The report comes after Arsenal posted an Instagram picture of Holding on back at training, suggesting the Englishman may still have a future at the club.

However, it now seems his time is up, with a number of players expected to be ahead of him in the pecking order next season.

Turkish Super Lig side Besiktas have been one of the clubs linked with a move for the defender.