Arsenal are reportedly eyeing a move for Brighton & Hove Albion defender Ben White this summer.
A shakeup in the Gunners’ defence is expected this summer as David Luiz has left the club and Hector Bellerin is another player who could be sold.
This will force Mikel Arteta to venture into the transfer market for a new defender. According to The Mirror, Arsenal are keen on signing bringing Ben White to add more quality to their defence. At a fee of £50 million he will not come cheap, though.
In the last couple of seasons, White has risen to prominence due to his robust defensive displays, as well as ball-playing ability. The centre-back played a key role for Brighton as they avoided relegation last season.
His impressive campaign didn’t go unnoticed as Gareth Southgate awarded him with his first national call-up, and the centre-back has made it to England’s final squad for Euro 2020 after Trent Alexander-Arnold suffered an injury.
Is Ben White the defender Arsenal need under Mikel Arteta?
Arteta does not have many options at the back. Gabriel started the season brightly but his performances waned in the second half of last season. Even then, he looks to be the one who will be a regular name on the teamsheet next season.
#ThreeLions new boy Ben White is a man in demand
Arsenal are the latest side to add him to their wish list https://t.co/zavo9CKsu1
— Mirror Football (@MirrorFootball) June 10, 2021
He won three successive Player of the Month awards which tells that he can play better if more quality players are around him. Arsenal should try to sign a strong ball-playing centre-back like Ben White to partner with Gabriel.
It is believed that Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta is a great admirer of White. The youngster can feature at right-back and centre-back positions. He is very comfortable in a back three as well, which will hold him in good stead at Arsenal.
The England International has the calmness and composure on the ball which very few players of his age can offer. He is a great reader of the game and possesses the ability to distribute the ball well. Under Arteta, Arsenal like to bring the ball out from the back, and to do that they need confident players on the ball.
David Luiz was a key player for the Gunners last season, and with his departure, Arsenal will lose a ball-playing centre-back. White would be the perfect option to replace the Brazilian.
The Seagulls hope that their hefty price tag on White will discourage the buyers to make a formal bid. However, if Ben White has a great Euro 2020, one can expect him to move to a bigger club in the summer.
