Don't Miss

Arsenal close to key deal: £48m bid submitted, personal terms agreed

By mac14 on July 8, 2021

It looks like Arsenal are finally closing-in on a deal to sign Ben White as reports claim we’ve submitted an improved £48m bid and have already agreed personal terms with the Brighton defender.

Mikel Arteta is trying to strengthen his squad this summer and a new centre-back is high on the priority list. David Luiz has left the club after running down his contract while the boss doesn’t fancy William Saliba so he’s set for another loan move.

It means Arsenal are in the market for a right-sided central defender and White has been touted as our first choice target with widespread reports in recent weeks claiming we’re locked in talks with Brighton trying to thrash out a deal for the 23-year-old.

After seeing two bids rejected, reporter Duncan Castles told The Transfer Window Podcast that Arsenal have now returned with an improved third bid by offering £48m guaranteed to Brighton. Castles says we’ve also included a further £6m in add-ons meaning we could end up paying £54m if those bonuses are achieved in the future.

The well known journalist says that Arsenal’s latest offer should be close enough to Brighton’s valuation that it will be accepted, however, the Seagulls are yet to respond as they’re buying to time to see if another club comes in with a higher bid. Castles names Chelsea, Everton, Man City and Man Utd among White’s admirers so Arsenal could still face stiff competition.

You can listen to the full podcast below to hear everything Castles has to say. The bit about Arsenal and White starts at around the 21 minute mark.

Listen to “Why Mbappe wants out of PSG | Varane’s big decision | Arsenal further increase White offer” on Spreaker.

So it sounds as though Arsenal should be on the verge of agreeing terms with Brighton and the deal should be fairly straightforward from that point as Fabrizio Romano claims we’ve already agreed personal terms with White.

Romano also says Arsenal are confident of agreeing a deal with Brighton. He claimed on Twitter:

Arsenal are still confident and working to complete the agreement with Brighton for Ben White on a permanent deal – personal terms already agreed.

White is a terrific young defender and I think he’d be an excellent addition to the squad but I do worry we’re spending a huge amount of money on him when we have so many other areas of the squad that need addressed.

Personally, I’d rather see Arsenal spending £50m on a world class No.10 or central midfielder to partner Thomas Partey. We already have three solid centre-backs, plus Calum Chambers and I’ve made no secret that I feel Saliba should be given a chance to impress.

However, if the club feel White is worth the money then who am I to argue! Hopefully he can form a rock solid partnership with Gabriel if he does end up joining Arsenal this summer.

And fingers crossed Arteta still has money left over to strengthen other areas of the squad. Reports suggest Arsenal are in talks over a bargain £19m deal for Houssem Aouar so that would be an excellent piece of business.