Mikel Arteta has already brought Nuno Tavares and Albert Sambi Lokonga to Arsenal this summer, but he looks set to complete a third major signing in the coming days.
Arsenal have been closing in on the signing of Ben White for some time, but it now appears set to be announced.
Arsenal agreed to a £50million deal with Brighton last week, but due to White’s holidays following his participation at Euro 2020, a medical and completion of the deal was delayed. Now though, according to the Daily Mail, Arsenal will imminently announce the arrival of White, with a medical to take place tomorrow (Sunday).
It took three attempts for Arsenal to secure White, who Arteta clearly views as a crucial part of his team next season. The 23-year-old is an athletic central defender, with excellent on-the-ball abilities that will allow for the Gunners to build up from the back. Arsenal had £40million and £47million bids knocked back before their £50million offer was accepted.
Primarily a central defender, White can also play as a right-back or a holding midfielder. His exposure in these positions though appear to make him a great candidate for the right central defensive role. David Luiz left after his contract expired, and White is likely to take on his role and responsibilities.
White has impressed heavily for Leeds in the Championship and for Brighton in the Premier League. At both clubs he showed his consistency and quality that saw him become a mainstay in both sides.
His durability and consistency is an attractive feature. The English international played every minute in a grueling Championship season for Leeds in the 2019/20 season which saw them crowned champions of the division. White was equally a mainstay in the Brighton side in 2020/21 and didn’t pick up any injuries in a packed Premier League schedule.
His signing will take Arsenal’s summer spending to the £75million mark, but the spending won’t stop there, with a couple of midfielders and a goalkeeper still targets for the club. Arsenal could also bring in a right-back and striker depending on departures.