Published: June 24, 2021 5:30 pm
Last Updated: June 24, 2021 10:25 pm
Arsenal’s move for Ben White came as a shock to many, but has been well documented since the news first broke.
Renowned Arsenal journalist David Ornstein originally broke the news that the Gunners are looking to do a deal with Brighton for the highly-rated defender, who is in England’s Euro 2020 squad.
🚨 Arsenal preparing move for Brighton defender Ben White. No club-to-club contact yet but expected in due course. Could take ~£40-50m — unlikely to be insurmountable for #AFC. Interest 1st reported by @johncrossmirror. W/ @gunnerblog @TheAthleticUK #BHAFC https://t.co/vYS2KG9rs5
— David Ornstein (@David_Ornstein) June 11, 2021
In the fortnight since the news broke, the two clubs seem to have been edging closer to a deal, with news having broken today that Mikel Arteta’s side are now “confident” in signing Ben White.
Arsenal are confident to sign Ben White from Brighton in the next few days, as reported by @David_Ornstein. Work in progress on final fee, personal terms already agreed. ⚪️🔴 #AFC
Anderlecht midfielder Lokonga has been approached by Atalanta – he only wants Arsenal as priority.
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) June 24, 2021
It is thought that the fee for the young defender will be around the 50 million pound mark, which would make him the most expensive defender in Arsenal’s history, taking the mantle from Shkodran Mustafi.
🚨 Arsenal moving closer to agreement with Brighton for Ben White. #BHAFC want guaranteed ~£50m, #AFC offering ~£45m + £5m. Face-to-face talks have taken place & negotiations continue over add-ons, payment structure etc. No other bidders yet @TheAthleticUK https://t.co/x9fJEUSMZ3
— David Ornstein (@David_Ornstein) June 24, 2021
It appears an odd decision for Arsenal to strengthen a position in which they already seem well-stocked. However, the club confirmed the departure of Dinos Mavropanos on a loan deal with option to buy earlier today.
Konstantinos Mavropanos joins Stuttgart from Arsenal, worth up to £5m. 1yr loan then 3yr deal if turned permanent. £500k loan fee, £3m chance to buy (obligation if #VfB stay up, option if relegated). Bonuses up to £1.5m. Sell-on clause @TheAthleticUK #AFC https://t.co/2MyBzLEH3L
— David Ornstein (@David_Ornstein) June 24, 2021
William Saliba also seems likely to spend next season out on loan, as per David Ornstein, meaning Ben White will be in a straight fight with Rob Holding for the right-centre-back position.
The deal could come as a watershed moment for the Gunners, who have been renowned for spending less than their rivals in recent years.
With several positions still to strengthen, including central-midfield and right-back, this summer could see a lot of money change hands in North London.
Sambi Lokonga, a highly rated prospect from Anderlecht, is expected to join the club for a fee of around 20 million pounds, according to Football.LDN, though he seems unlikely to be the only reinforcement in the middle of the park.
Arsenal closing in on the signing of Ben White, as per @David_Ornstein.
Lokonga should be next in with player sales to take priority afterwards.
Arteta & Edu focused on adding PL proven players to the squad. https://t.co/ToWLnObU0t
— Chris Wheatley (@ChrisWheatley_) June 24, 2021
Notably, it was also revealed that “Arteta and Edu [are] focused on adding PL (Premier League) proven players to the squad”, meaning fans could see rumours regarding household names ramp up over the coming weeks.
For now, though, it seems that Ben White will be Arsenal’s first signing of the summer.
Read more:
Scotland lose Billy Gilmour due to positive Covid-19 test
Arsenal’s centreback carousel- White in, Saliba and Mavropanos out?
This article was edited by
Conor Laird.
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Premier League table
| # | Team | MP | D | P |
| 1 | Arsenal London | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 2 | Aston Villa | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 3 | Brentford London | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 4 | Brighton & Hove Albion | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 5 | Burnley FC | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 6 | Chelsea London | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 7 | Crystal Palace | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 8 | Everton FC | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 9 | Leeds United | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 10 | Leicester City | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 11 | Liverpool FC | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 12 | Manchester City | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 13 | Manchester United | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 14 | Newcastle United | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 15 | Norwich City | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 16 | Southampton FC | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 17 | Tottenham Hotspur | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 18 | Watford FC | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 19 | West Ham United | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 20 | Wolverhampton Wanderers | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Player | Team | Red Cards | Yellow Cards |
|---|
