Arsenal are contemplating a move for Brighton centre-back Ben White. White is currently on international duty with England, as he was included in Gareth Southgate’s 26-man squad at the last moment.
The young center-back is currently in the England camp as he was included in the 26-man Euro squad as a replacement for Trent Alexander-Arnold. After an equally impressive campaign out on loan at Leeds United, White impressed in his debut season in the Premier League. He has been linked with moves to both Liverpool and Leeds in the past.
The Athletic reports that Arsenal are on the lookout for a right-sided center-back with veteran David Luiz departing upon contract expiry. The Gunners do have Rob Holding and William Salba in that position but are still contemplating a move for White. Sevilla’s Jules Kounde was also looked at earlier, but the club has since turned its focus on White.
The Englishman is expected to cost Arsenal in the range of 40 to 50 million pounds, provided that he is a full international at this point. The Gunners reportedly could arrange for a fee in that region while agreement over personal terms is merely a formality. However, a channel has yet to be established between the two clubs, but contact is expected to be made in the future.
23-year-old White came through the famed Southampton academy before leaving them for rivals Brighton. The youngster was a part of the Brighton youth setup from 2014 to 2016 and was moved out on loan in 2017. White was initially sent to Newport County in League Two, and a year later he was promoted to a League One loan at Peterborough United. He popped up on the radar of several clubs while spending the 2019/20 season at Leeds United and has consistently been linked with moves to top clubs.
White made 36 appearances for the Seagulls in his first season in the top flight, often playing alongside Lewis Dunk and Adam Webster in defence.
