According to a report from the Daily Mail, Arsenal have held ‘positive’ talks with Brighton and Hove Albion over a transfer move for Ben White.
The Englishman is with the national team at the Euros, after being called upon as a replacement for Trent Alexander-Arnold. Mainly playing as a centre back, the 23-year-old can be used in midfield as well.
The Daily Mail claim that the north London club held positive talks with the Seagulls over a move for White and the player is also keen on a move. Brighton have placed a price tag of £50m on their defender in an attempt to deter potential buyers including Liverpool and Manchester United.
The report further claims that the England international would command an increase in his wages if a transfer deal transpires. The defender signed a new contract last year and currently earns £35,000-per-week. The Emirates club are trying to figure out if the centre-back can fit into their budget.
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It is good news that the talks are still progressing and the north Londoners appear to finally be making some moves in the transfer market.
Some might wonder why the fee is so high for the Englishman, it is due to a variety of factors. The centre-back is a homegrown talent that makes squad composition easier, apart from his obvious talent and potential.
After a hugely impressive loan spell under Marcelo Bielsa at Leeds United, White has become a rock in Brighton’s defence. In Graham Potter’s setup, he can step into midfield if needed and get to show his passing range.
The Gunners had the third-best defence in the Premier League last season which is a testament to the improvement shown since the arrival of Mikel Arteta.
Adding the Brighton defender would make the team more solid at the back. £50m might seem like a lot but it is an investment for the future. Arsenal’s efforts to buy White might be delayed due to the Englishman’s involvement at the Euros, but it is encouraging to see this transfer moving ahead.
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