According to TeamTalk’s latest column regarding Leeds United transfer news, the Whites were on the verge of signing Arsenal defender Rob Holding before the Gunners pulled the plug on the deal.
Leeds were looking to sign Holding on a season-long loan and, for a while at least, it looked like a move away from the Emirates Stadium was on the cards.
However, Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta had a change of heart in recent weeks and has now decided to keep Holding for the 2020/21 campaign. To be fair, he was very impressive in Arsenal’s victory over Fulham on the opening weekend.
In addition, Holding was pivotal in Arsenal’s Community Shield triumph last month and his impact and influence hasn’t gone unnoticed during Arteta’s brief stint as Arsenal manager.
With that in mind, the Spaniard has opted to keep Holding at the Emirates for now – much to the dismay of Leeds supporters around the world.
Their loss is Arsenal’s gain but the Elland Road faithful will be bitterly disappointed to miss out on an experienced Premier League defender, particularly after shipping four goals at Anfield on their return to the top flight.
Erick Pulgar Unlikely To Leave Fiorentina
Marcelo Bielsa has moved quickly and effectively to bolster his Leeds squad this summer, with the likes of Rodrigo and Robin Koch joining the club from Valencia and SC Freiburg respectively.
According to reports in Italy, the Whites have been eyeing up a move for Fiorentina star Erick Pulgar. The 26-year-old midfielder is well regarded and Leeds are one of a number of Premier League clubs that are interested in his services.
However, Fiorentina have stated that Pulgar is not for sale this summer. Whether the Serie A side are adamant that he cannot leave the club or are simply holding out for a bigger fee, a deal looks unlikely at this moment in time.
Erick Pulgar – #Fiorentina’s Creative Chilean Going Under The Radar In Europe ??⚽️
— World Football Index (@WorldFootballi) August 10, 2020
✍️ @AdamBrandon84 #LaRoja #LaViolahttps://t.co/ZpiIFf6KHR
According to reports, West Ham United enquired into the Fiorentina midfielder earlier this summer though Bielsa’s men are arguably better suited to the Chile international.
The Italian media have claimed that Leeds have made a £10 million offer for the player but Fiorentina are refusing to budge from their own valuation. It is understood that Leeds will need to significantly increase their bid to tempt the Italian side into a sale.
La Nazione, one of the Italian outlets reporting on the move, state that Leeds’ offer was ‘not considered sufficient’ but revealed Fiorentina concede that the ‘scenario can take a different turn at any moment’.
Leeds fans, never say never but a Serie A raid for Pulgar looks unlikely. The Whites are much better harnessing all of their efforts on long term target Rodrigo De Paul from Udinese.
*Credit for the main photo belongs to Manu Fernandez / AP Photo*
