Tony Adams has said on Sky Sports Premier League (1:35pm, September 26, 2021) that Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta should not have signed Ben White as he already had Rob Holding.
The Arsenal legend believes that there was no need for the Gunners to bring in another central defender when they already had Holding in the squad.
The former central defender believes that Holding had arguably his best season for Arsenal in 2020-21.
Arsenal actually handed the 26-year-old a new contract in January 2021, with his wages rising to £80,000 per week, as reported by The Daily Mail.
The North London club then reportedly paid Brighton and Hove Albion £50 million to bring in former Leeds United loanee Ben White in the summer transfer window.
Adams said on Sky Sports Premier League (1:35pm, September 26, 2021): “Rob Holding had arguably his best season last year.
“Comes to 27, the average age of a central defender in this league is 27. He has become experienced, he has become good.
“They brought in Ben White, arguably is he as good? Is he better? I don’t see an improvement there for £50 million. That’s not good recruitment for me.”
Does Tony Adams have a point?
This is not the first time that Adams has said that Arsenal manager Arteta should have kept faith in Holding.
The Arsenal legend made similar comments in August.
When you consider the number of central defenders Arsenal have on their books, then you will have to say that Adams has a point.
Gabriel, Pablo Mari, White and Holding are the four main centre-back options for Arteta.
Calum Chambers can also play in central defence.
Let’s not forget that centre-backs William Saliba and Konstantinos Mavropanos are out on loan.
Now, of course, White has quality, but the 23-year-old’s arrival means that Holding will struggle for games.
However, White is doing well at the moment and has established himself as a key figure at the back alongside Gabriel.
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