Manchester City are reportedly interested in Arsenal defender Ben White, with Pep Guardiola keen on the versatile defender.
According to Fichajes, Pep Guardiola is interested in signing Ben White next summer. The Arsenal defender is considered a perfect fit for Manchester City’s system. He could eventually be seen as an ideal replacement for Kyle Walker. Still, his acquisition from the Gunners could prove tricky.
Ben White is steadily becoming one of the best defenders in the Premier League. He has risen through the ranks at various league levels in English football, ultimately leading to the big move to Arsenal. He had spells at Leeds United and Brighton & Hove Albion before joining the Gunners.
Arsenal decided to pay the big bucks to acquire White and received plenty of criticism for spending so much on a player with little experience. But the English defender has proven his critics wrong after becoming a mainstay in the Arsenal backline. And he is currently one of Mikel Arteta’s most important players.
After playing the first season at the Emirates in a central defensive position, White was converted into an inverted right-back this term. The move has resulted in tremendous success for Arsenal, who currently top the Premier League charts.
White often converts into a third centre-back when Arsenal are on the ball while providing ample support for Bukayo Saka on the right wing. His versatility is a key factor why Arteta trusts the defender so much.
Now, Manchester City are reportedly keen on signing White next summer, as Pep Guardiola sees him as a key target for his backline. The English defender’s versatility has caught the Manchester City manager’s eye. And Guardiola might view the Arsenal defender, valued at around €70 million, as Kyle Walker’s long-term replacement.
Walker has seen fitness issues hamper his form and play irregularly for Manchester City. Pep Guardiola has signed a new deal with the club and remains in the market for key reinforcements in critical areas of his squad. One of them is the right side of the defence.
Guardiola reportedly wants White and will look to play him primarily as a right-back. He also sees the €70 million-rated Arsenal defender as a versatile option to cover central areas and occasionally in defensive midfield.
The idea might be bright for Manchester City to target Ben White. But he could prove a difficult acquisition. Arsenal will not entertain any bids for a player considered key by Arteta, and they would demand a significant price if they feel the need to sell.
Arsenal will look to profit massively if they decided to sell White after slapping a €70 million price tag on him. Manchester City have deep coffers to pay up whatever prices are necessary to entice targets. But the big problem will come from White, who seems comfortable at the Emirates and may not opt to move away.
