Jamie O’Hara has said on talkSPORT that Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal would love to sign Raphael Varane.
The former Tottenham Hotspur midfielder believes that Varane, who is joining Manchester United, would not entertain any offers to move to Arsenal.
O’Hara made the comments while analysing Arsenal’s decision to sign Ben White.
Ben White and Raphael Varane transfers
According to The Guardian, Arsenal have paid Brighton and Hove Albion £50 million to sign England international central defender White.
The 23-year-old former Leeds United loanee, who can also play as a right-back or in midfield, played in the Premier League for the first time only last season.
Sky Sports have reported that United are paying Real Madrid £41 million to sign Varane.
The 28-year-old France international central defender won La Liga thrice and the Champions League on four occasions with Madrid.
O’Hara said on talkSPORT: “Arsenal would love to have Varane in their side. They would love to pay £42 million for him. But Varane is not going to go there.
“So they aren’t shopping in that window because they can’t attract a Varane right now. But they can attract a Ben White, who is an up and coming talent and you have to pay a premium for him.”
Two different situations
United finished second in the Premier League table last season and will play in the Champions League in 2021-22.
The Red Devils will challenge for the league title next season and in the coming years.
Varane is one of the best centre-backs on the planet who is being signed by United to make an immediate impact.
Arsenal are still in a rebuilding phase.
White is only 23 and is not the finished article – like Varane is.
Yes, the English youngster is costing more in transfer fee, but Varane is likely to get a higher salary than him.
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