Arsenal are ready to step up their pursuit of Ben White as they inch closer to finding an agreement with Brighton for the defender.
According to the Evening Standard, Arsenal are stepping up their efforts to sign Ben White in the coming days. The North London side were waiting for the Euros to conclude and close the deal with Brighton for the England international. Gareth Southgate had instructed his players to stay away from transfer business during the Euros.
Ben White remains Arsenal’s top priority this summer as the North Londoners push hard to agree a deal with Brighton. The Seagulls have rejected a few offers so far, with the last one coming closest to their valuation of the star defender. The Gunners are adamant over signing the Englishman and are reportedly very close to finalising a deal.
Mikel Arteta wants to shore up his central defensive positions. Rob Holding is the only recognised right-sided central defender in their ranks currently after David Luiz left the club, and young French defender, William Saliba is on his way to Marseille on a loan deal. The Gunners are short on players in that position.
After a brief interest in several targets across Europe, Arteta has narrowed in on White to be his primary target. The Gunners are reportedly ready to meet Brighton’s valuation and make a viable offer for the defender. There is interest from other Premier League sides, including Manchester City, Everton and Chelsea.
However, with each of those teams looking at other options, it is clear that Arsenal are the favourites. White himself is understood to be interested in the move to the Emirates, and it is only a matter of time before he wears the red of North London.
As mentioned earlier, the Gunners agreed to a loan move for William Saliba to Marseille. The deal is understood to be just a dry loan without any buy options in the contract. Saliba is viewed as one for the future, but with Arsenal pushing for White, his future at the Emirates is an actual doubt.
Arteta is also looking at players to fill in other positions, notably central midfield, in addition to Albert Sambi Lokonga, who is also close to a move from Anderlecht. Nuno Tavares has already signed from Benfica as a backup left-back. The Gunners are also looking at a striker, with Tammy Abraham the latest player to be linked.
Arsenal will pursue those targets once they get their main man, White. The Gunners are thought to be paying £50 million plus for the defender, but the actual fee will be clear once there’s an official agreement between the sides. Overall, fans of the North London side will hope to see White soon as their club and play next season as a Gunner.
