Arsenal have reportedly agreed on terms with Brighton for Ben White and the player is expected to undergo his medical today, according to Duncan Castles.
The Southampton academy graduate joined the Seagulls in 2014. His breakthrough year was in 2019 when he was on loan at Leeds United, who were playing in the Championship. He featured in 49 games and played an integral part in their promotion to the Premier League.
On the back of an impressive loan spell at Leeds, the center-back returned to Brighton and had another stellar campaign with 39 appearances for Graham Potter’s side. His outstanding performances also earned him a call-up to the England national team for Euro 2020.
Speaking to The Transfer Window Podcast, Duncan Castles claimed that Ben White is on the verge of signing a four-year contract at Arsenal. The transfer fee is £50million, which will be paid in installments across two years.
The Journalist also revealed that White will have the first part of his medical today and is due to visit the Gunners’ training ground for further tests. Castles said:
“I’m told that Ben White is taking medical scans today, his first part of his medical for Arsenal. Later in the week, he’s due to go to Arsenal’s training ground and take biometric tests to complete that medical.”
“Everything is agreed club to club. The fee is a guaranteed £50 million, which is the second-highest transfer fee ever exchanged for a central defender.£30 million of that will be paid in one calendar year to Brighton and then two more payments of £10 million in the following seasons.”
He further added:
“There are over £5million performance-related variables in terms of Ben White at the international level and then club achievements by Arsenal. He will sign a four-year contract at Arsenal, assuming he passes the medical and his salary will increase to around £6 million a year.”
This report was given further credence by Goal journalist who claimed that the defender is in London Colney to complete his medical.
Ben White has been at London Colney today finalising his move to Arsenal.
— Charles Watts (@charles_watts) July 28, 2021
Arsenal Fever View:
The North Londoners have been very active this summer having already secured the signatures of Nuno Tavares and Albert Sambi Lokonga. Ben White looks to be the third signing for the Emirates club. Mikel Arteta is determined to bolster the defensive options by adding the 23-year-old to his ranks.
Although the England international predominantly plays as a center-back, his ability to dribble out from tight spaces and his athletism makes him an equally good defensive midfielder.
Arteta’s philosophy revolves around playing out from the back and, undoubtedly, the defenders play a significant role in it. This makes the Brighton man a perfect candidate for the job, given his wide passing range and ability on the ball.
Following the departures of David Luiz and William Saliba, Arsenal need a center-back, and the addition of White looks to be a smart signing but the £50million price tag seems to be the only downside to this deal. However, he is still in the early stages of his career with plenty of time to refine his skills and become a mainstay in the Gunners’ backline for years to come.
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