Arsenal want to finalise the summer transfer of Brighton and Hove Albion defender Ben White now that their path has been cleared with the end of Euro 2020, per the Express.
The Gunners have already seen the Seagulls reject two bids for the England international, who they value at £50m. Mikel Arteta’s side have so far reached a maximum offer of £45m, but hope the inclusion of bonuses and performance-related clauses will smooth over talks.
Both Arsenal and Brighton believe a deal for White to move to north London this summer will happen. And the Gunners hope they can now finalise the transfer with the centre-half no longer with the England camp.
White also wants his future resolved as soon as possible, so he can return from his post-Euro 2020 holiday feeling refreshed and knowing where he will be next season. Currently, that will be at the Amex Stadium, with the 23-year-old yet to sign off on any formalities.
The defender was never going to agree to a move or carry out his medical during the Euros. But there are no longer any hurdles left between Arsenal signing White from Brighton, other than agreeing on terms. The Gunners will now ramp up their talks to seal a deal imminently.
Arsenal already have a contract offer ready for White to sign should he join from Brighton this summer. Duncan Castles claimed the Gunners tabled a £120,000-per-week contract to the Poole-born enforcer. While The Guardian reported they have agreed on personal terms.
Arteta to sign an ‘exciting’ defender for Arsenal in Brighton star White
As well as claiming what terms Arsenal offered White, Castles noted Arteta is driving their bid for the Brighton star. The Spaniard admires his intelligence, technical ability, speed and sees potential leadership qualities in the two-cap talent.
White would also offer Arsenal versatility in their defence and an ability to play on the right of Arteta’s midfield. England boss Gareth Southgate hailed the centre-back, via Sussex Live, as an ‘exciting’ young defender in May for that adaptability and his rise in recent seasons.
Brighton have plenty of tools to hold firm at their valuation and reject anything Arsenal offer below £50m for White. Arteta will be delighted if, or when, the Gunners close a deal for the defender, then, with progress likely to come fast now that Euro 2020 has finished.
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