Arsenal have bid accepted for Bolton defender Rob Holding

Arsenal have had a bid accepted for Bolton Wanderers defender Rob Holding with the Gunners set to make him their third signing of the summer. The Gunners had a bid rejected for the 20-year-old earlier this year but came back with an improved bid in the range of £2m ($2.5m) up front that has all but sealed the deal.

The Bolton News reports that the defender had a medical with Arsenal on Monday, 18 July and the north London club are set to complete the transfer after agreeing personal terms with the player. The youngster was Bolton's player of the season in the last campaign and was being scouted by a lot of Premier League clubs, which forced Arsenal's hand to make an improved bid.

The Gunners were interested in signing the defender since May with the player showing promise despite Bolton's relegation from the Championship. Manager Phil Parkinson had recently stressed that Holding will only be sold to a club that reaches their valuation, something Arsenal have done to get the deal over the line.

"As far as I know there is interest from a number of Premiership clubs," Parkinson said. "The chairman has got a valuation in mind and I don't think he will budge from that. I don't think he needs to, either, because he is a very good young player and there is a premium on those types. If someone comes up with that valuation then the chairman will give me a call."

The Gunners have already completed the signing of Granit Xhaka from Borussia Monchengladbach and have followed that up with a move for young Japanese striker Takuma Asano. Arsene Wenger is in the market for a few more additions to the squad, with a striker top of the Frenchman's list, especially with Danny Welbeck out for the better part of next season with a knee injury.