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Confirmed: Arsenal sign Ben White in £50m deal, shirt number revealed

By on July 30, 2021

ben white arsenal

Arsenal have finally announced the signing of Ben White in a £50m deal from Brighton & Hove Albion with the defender arriving on a long-term contract.

Mikel Arteta had been in the market for a right-sided centre-back this summer after losing David Luiz and White soon emerged as the Arsenal bosses main target.

Negotiations with Brighton proved difficult as we saw two bids rejected before eventually agreeing a deal worth £50m earlier this month.

The proposed move was put on hold while the 23-year-old enjoyed a holiday in Greece following his participation at the Euro’s with England but the defender was back in the UK this week to finalise his move.

White was spotted leaving London Colney on Wednesday after undergoing his medical and Arsenal have now confirmed on Arsenal.com that’s he’s joined the club on a long-term contract – believed to be a five-year deal.

After announcing the transfer, Arteta heaped praise on White and says the player will be a key part of his long-term plans. Arteta told Arsenal.com:

“Ben was a top target for us and it’s great that we’ve completed his signing. Ben has been educated with two very good clubs, Brighton and Leeds, in recent seasons. He has benefitted well from two very good coaching set-ups and has shown with both Brighton and on loan with Leeds what a strong talent he is.

“Ben is an intelligent defender who is very comfortable with the ball at his feet and his style fits perfectly with us. And of course, he is still young, so his age and profile fits with what we are building here. We are all looking forward to Ben being central to our future long-term plans.

White becomes our third signing of the summer following the arrivals of Nuno Tavares and Albert Lokonga and he should prove to be an excellent addition to the Arsenal squad as he’s developed into one of the best young defenders in England during his time at Brighton.

He’s predominantly a centre-back but can also play at right-back so his versatility will be useful. White will wear the No.4 shirt and will link-up with his new team mates immediately ahead of Sunday’s friendly with Chelsea.