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Arsenal to table fresh bid for 23-year-old star as Arteta looks to sign key target

By on July 6, 2021

ben white

According to Sky Sports News, Arsenal are set to launch a fresh bid to sign Ben White as we look to finally get a deal agreed with Brighton for the £50m-rated centre-back.

Mikel Arteta is desperately trying to strengthen his squad ahead of the new season following a disastrous 2020/21 campaign and a new right-sided central defender is high on his wish list.

Widespread reports in recent weeks have claimed White has been identified as Arsenal’s main target and Sky Sports reporter Dharmesh Sheth has provided an update on the situation.

Sheth confirmed that Arsenal have seen two offers rejected – one for £40m and another worth around £47m-£48m including add-ons – but we’re set to submit an third improved offer and remain hopeful of getting a deal agreed.

The reporter says Brighton haven’t made their valuation public but most media outlets, including The Athletic, have suggested they want a guaranteed £50m, so Arsenal aren’t far from meeting that asking price.

There’s a video below but here’s what Sheth said:

“Talks are continuing between Arsenal and Brighton over the signing of the England defender. Arsenal we know have had two bids rejected. The first was for £40m, the other with add-ons was closer to £47m-£48m.

They are expected to go back in with a third bid. Brighton, intriguingly, haven’t made public their valuation and their owner Tony Bloom will not stand in Ben White’s way if he wants to leave, provided Brighton’s valuation is met.

At this stage, Arsenal remain hopeful that they can do a deal to bring Ben White to the Emirates.”

We’ll have to wait and see what Arsenal’s next offer looks like but you’d expect it will match the £50m valuation – although we may still try and include some form of bonuses or add-ons in the deal.

Reports suggest that the likes of Everton, Chelsea and even Man City are also in the mix for the 23-year-old but I suspect many of those stories are down to Brighton trying to push Arsenal into increasing their offer.

White would be a terrific signing if we could get a deal agreed as he’s developed into a top class centre-back but I personally don’t think we should be going over £50m to get a deal done.

In fact, I think the £50m could be better spent elsewhere as Arteta needs to sign a top class central midfielder and a No.10 more than another centre-back in my opinion. Especially as we already have Gabriel, Holding, Chambers, Mari and Saliba on the books.

However, it looks like the boss is intent on buying White. Let’s just hope Arsenal have enough money left over to bring in a few other quality signings to fill holes in the squad.