Mikel Arteta confirms he has been convinced to perform Arsenal transfer U-turn

Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta admits defender Rob Holding is “not going anywhere” after he started their Premier League opener.

The Spaniard watched his side get off to the best possible start with a 3-0 win over Fulham at Craven Cottage.

Debutant Gabriel scored Arsenal’s second as he partnered Holding at the heart of the defence.

The former Bolton man has been heavily linked with a loan move away from the Emirates.

But Arteta concedes he has told the 24-year-old that he will not be leaving north London having been hugely impressed by his commitment.

“I said to him change your mind because you’re not going anywhere,” he said.

“Again, Rob is another one, he stands for everything that we want at the football club.

“He had a really difficult time but he trained and pursued his dream to play for this football club.

“Now why would I have to let him go? He’s playing so what else do you want.”

Defence was one of Arsenal’s major problem areas last term but Arteta has sought to address that with the signing of Gabriel.

The Brazilian, who arrived from Lille, is highly-rated and was tipped to partner William Saliba in defence.

But Holding was the man who got the nod on Saturday lunchtime.

He moved to Arsenal in 2016 when Arsene Wenger was still in charge but has never been able to nail down a starting role, although injuries have been a hinderance.

Arteta also gave Mohamed Elneny a first Premier League start in 16 months.

“Mo has been excellent since day one in training,” said the Gunners boss.

“He’s a player that I know really well because we played together as well. I know what he can give us and how willing he is to improve.

“I thought today he was phenomenal.”