Speaking on the Transfer Window Podcast, journalist Duncan Castles has shared exactly how Arsenal will be paying for Ben White amid rumours he’s set to sign for the Gunners.
It’s no secret that Brighton wanted £50m for the defender, and it seems as though they’re going to get it, but as with most football transfers these days, that fee isn’t going to be paid in one lump sum.
Indeed, Arsenal have negotiated a deal that will see them pay for White in staggered payments, and they’ve actually structured the deal rather smartly.
What’s been said?
Castles shared how Arsenal will be paying for Ben White.
“I’m told that Ben White is taking medical scans today, the first part of his medical with Arsenal, and later this week he’ll be heading to Arsenal’ training ground to take biometric tests to take that medical. Everything is agreed club to club, the fee is a guaranteed £50m, the second-highest transfer fee exchanged for an English centre-back, £30m of that will be paid within one year of Brighton and then two more payments of £10m in following seasons, there are over £5m of performance-related variables based on Ben White’s achievements at international level and club achievements by Arsenal, so basically whether or not they win major trophies during his time at the club,” Castles said.
Clever
£50m for White seems rather steep, but when the transfer is structured in this way it seems like quite a good move.
It helps the Gunners navigate FFP, and it allows them to spend greater amounts on further reinforcements this summer if they feel they need to.
£30m in the first 12 months isn’t steep at all, while two further payments of £10m shouldn’t break the bank for Arsenal, especially when you consider just how much TV revenue is generated in the Premier League these days.
Arsenal have negotiated quite a well-structured deal here.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
