ROB Holding’s Premier League dream has come a step closer to reality as Arsenal made a breakthrough in talks to take him to the Emirates Stadium.

Arsene Wenger’s Gunners have submitted a second bid for the England Under-21 international, which has been accepted by Wanderers.

The Bolton News understands that Holding underwent a medical this evening and will continue to discuss personal terms this week.

Two other top-flight clubs made concrete offers for the 20-year-old centre-half in the last couple of days, forcing Arsenal’s hand to improve the cash tabled up front.

Holding has favoured a move to North London since their interest was first revealed in May, prompting his withdrawal from the squad in the final game of last season at Fulham.

Despite playing just 30 first-team games for the Whites last season, and their relegation from the Championship, he was watched by a raft of Premier League clubs.

Wanderers triggered a one-year extension on his contract over the summer to ensure they would retain some control on the situation. And that has also enabled them to negotiate a hefty bonus package.

They initially wanted to loan Holding back for next season – but that outcome now looks unlikely.

Phil Parkinson had warned at the weekend that the club would not budge on their estimation – which was reported to be £2million up front – but had pencilled him in to play in tomorrow night’s game at Tranmere, a testimonial for ex-captain Warwick Rimmer.

“As far as I know there is interest from a number of Premiership clubs,” he told The Bolton News. “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 Whites boss is hoping to reinvest some of the cash in his own squad and has looked at 11 different trialists since the start of the week.

Out-of-contract David Wheater continues to train at Lostock but the club has scotched suggestion that Andrew Davies, the former Bradford City defender who recently left Ross County, is one of the options being examined.