Arsenal’s transfer activity is in full swing, with Brighton’s Ben White likely to be the first name through the door this summer. The Gunners are close to agreeing on a fee with BHA and have made space within their squad by loaning out a youngster.
According to The Athletic, Arsenal are closing in on the signing of Brighton and Hove Albion’s Ben White. The 23-year-old Englishman plays as a right-sided centre-back – a position Mikel Arteta is keen to shore up ahead of the 2021/22 season.
The report suggests that Arsenal had a bid rejected previously for White, with Brighton holding out for 50 million pounds. However, the Gunners recently upped their offer to 45 million and five million in bonuses, which has brought the two clubs closer to an agreement. The two clubs are in discussion regarding the payment structure and the bonus payments. The player, meanwhile, is expected to agree to personal terms without much difficulty.
White is currently with England on international duty, the centre-back a late call-up to Gareth Southgate’s Euro 2020 squad due to Trent Alexander-Arnold’s injury. He is yet to make an appearance in the tournament. The youngster first popped up on the radars of football fans during a loan spell at Leeds United.
Under Marcelo Bielsa, White enjoyed a breakthrough campaign in the Championship, which subsequently prompted Leeds to approach Brighton with a permanent move for the defender. The Seagulls held onto their star player and are now likely to reap twice as much as what Leeds had offered them.
Meanwhile, White’s arrival could force Saliba out to another loan spell. The Frenchman is yet to make a competitive appearance for the Gunners despite signing for them two seasons ago in a big move. Another perennial loanee, Konstatinos Mavropanos has already been sent on another loan by the Gunners to Stuttgart, who have the option to purchase him outright at the end of the deal.
