Ben White appears to be closing in a move to Arsenal but quite a lot of fans remain unconvinced that it’s going to be money well spent.
Arsenal have reportedly agreed a £50 million fee with Brighton & Hove Albion for the England international [The Sun].
It seems only a matter of time before the 23-year-old – who is currently on holiday – completes a big-money switch to the Emirates Stadium.
If and when it does, White will become the Gunners’ fourth-most expensive player in their history – and their most expensive-ever defender.
But considering Mikel Arteta’s side had the third-best defensive record in the Premier League last season, there has been some debate over whether the Spanish coach and Edu are strengthening the right areas.
Tony Cascarino, on the other hand, has claimed that Arsenal will be signing a ‘very accomplished player’ and one who can adapt to any defensive system that Arteta is planning.
He told talkSPORT: “He’s a very versatile defender, who ticks the box of can you play him in different positions, can you play him in a four and in a three? Most certainly so. I watched him at Leeds and Brighton and I think they’re getting a very accomplished player of a certain age.”
In Arteta’s defence
Let’s face it, Arsenal can never have enough good defenders.
Yes Arteta has improved this side of the team where the likes of Unai Emery and Arsene Wenger struggled, albeit at the expense of a blunt attack.
But historically, Arsenal have had a dodgy defence for most of the past 15 years and signing a player like this can’t be a negative thing, even if it’s for major money.
Besides, White is still only 23 and as an investment it makes a lot of sense.
Should he continue to develop at Arsenal, while building his reputation on the international stage, the North Londoners will make their money back and pocket a major profit, too.
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