Arsenal have agreed a deal in principle for Brighton centre-back Ben White. The London club will pay a fee worth £50 million for the England international.
White was recently called up to the England Euro 2020 squad following an injury sustained by Trent Alexander-Arnold ahead of the tournament. Although the Three Lions choked in the finals, White established himself as one for the future by making it into Gareth Southgate’s 26-man squad for the European Championships.
The 23-year-old was released from the Southampton academy as a youngster, and he joined Brighton shortly after. He went out on loan to numerous clubs, and attracted interest from the big clubs in the Premier League following his spell with Leeds United in the Championship. White helped Marcelo Bielsa in getting the Yorkshire club back to the Premier League after 16 years, and signed a four-year deal with Brighton after returning.
He is now expected to be the long-term replacement for David Luiz at the Emirates. The Brazilian defender left Arsenal following the expiry of his contract, after choosing not to renew with the London club. A partnership between Gabriel and Ben White at the back could set the team up for vast improvements in the future, if their potential is fulfilled.
Arsenal have already completed the signing of Nuno Tavares from Benfica, and have also offloaded fringe players like Guendouzi, Kolasinac and Saliba. While they are not in a Euroepan tournament this year, they can divert all their attention to domestic competition and rebuilding the team for the future.
