Trevor Sinclair told talkSPORT on Euro GameDay that it surprises him that Brighton have turned down Arsenal’s big-money offer for Ben White.
On Wednesday, Sky Sports claim that Arsenal saw a £40 million offer rejected for White’s services from Brighton.
The ball-playing defender is currently on England duty at Euro 2020, so even if Arsenal wanted anything done now, they will probably have to wait until the tournament is over to finalise any potential deal.
Sinclair shared his thoughts on Arsenal’s interest in White, who also had admirers at Manchester City and Liverpool, according to the former winger.
“It does surprise me that £40 million isn’t enough,” said Sinclair. “But it doesn’t surprise me that there’s a lot of interest for Ben White.
“Obviously, he played for England. Bielsa wanted him at Leeds. He has had a good season. I think Manchester City were interested in him before they got Ruben Dias.
“Manchester United could do with him because they could do with a back-up in that position and Liverpool were admirers.
“It’s quite a surprise that they haven’t accepted that fee because I think that’s quite a big fee for a central defender that’s not been playing in the Premier League for too long.
“But it just goes to show where the prices are going. And if they can fill a gap then, why not?!”
It seems as though Brighton will consider selling their academy product if they push up their price to £50 million-plus.
This is where the Arsenal owners will be tested and it will be interesting to see if they push the boat out for a manager that guided the Gunners to an eighth-place finish last season.
And given that Liverpool were looking at White before they signed Ibrahima Konate and Marcelo Bielsa’s Leeds had several bids turned down for him last summer.
Then that just goes to show the quality the rising England star has at his feet and why those in North London should put their money where their mouth is.
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