Arsenal has first bid rejected for Brighton defender Ben White: They mean business this summer

Reports suggest that Arsenal’s had a first attempt at signing Ben White rejected by owners, Brighton. A fee of £40m is deemed not enough for the English defender.

Arsenal are not playing around this summer window and are looking to make major moves and improve on a disappointing 2020/2021 campaign.

Last season’s eighth-placed finish has called for serious work and alterations at the back and in midfield this transfer window. With a host of players being transfer-listed by the club, a host of new names is set to join them as well.

"Brighton have rejected a £40m bid from Arsenal for defender Ben White.Talks are ongoing between the two clubs."

Brighton will struggle to hold onto Ben White

Brighton will probably not be able to convince one of their top talents to stay put at the Falmer Stadium beyond the summer.

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Last season Leeds United and Liverpool both failed in their efforts in signing Ben and ultimately turned their attention elsewhere, stopping their pursuit of the Englishman altogether.

This all transpired thanks to an outstanding Championship showing while on loan at Leeds, helping them win the EFL and gain automatic promotion back to the big leagues. After a disappointing season in the EPL, it will be hard to see the same outcome as last summer.

The Seagulls avoided a late relegation battle but were involved in it during some periods of the 2020/21 campaign. They ended the Premier League season in 16th place, two spots above relegation.

This is no place for one of England’s brightest defensive talents to be playing in. Not saying the Gunners is going to offer much more with them failing to reach the top four and top six for consecutive campaigns – but it will undoubtedly be a move up for Ben White.

Arsenal will go back in with a new and improved bid for Ben White

Following the bid rejection by the Seagulls, the Gunners will make another attempt in the coming days. They will improve on their first offer of £40m – talks are ongoing between the two Premier League sides.

"Arsenal are expected to go back with an improved offer for the 23-year-old centre-back, who made 36 Premier League appearances for Brighton this season after spending the 2019-20 season on loan at Leeds. (Via: Sky Sports)"

White’s debut season in the English top-flight saw him stay fit for a long period, making 36 league appearances. He helped his side keep 11 clean sheets while scoring and assisting no goals. The worst stat they possessed as a team was conceding 44 goals for the term.

Nonetheless, the 23-year-old poses a great aerial threat at 1,82 m. If he does complete a transfer to North London from the South Coast, it would see him partner Gabriel Magalhaes, who was Arsenal first signing last summer.

Who do you think will be Arsenal’s first summer signing?