Ben White: Breakthrough between Arsenal and Brighton for defender

Arsenal and Brighton are said to have reached an agreement for central defender, Ben White. The deal, which is subject to a medical, is reported to be £50m.

The Gunners have made it no secret that the backline is where all their transfer work will begin this summer. Having let go of David Luiz following the end of his contract with them, the club has been in search of a centre-back partner for main figure, Gabriel Magalhaes.

The search started and now could and should end with Brighton’s Ben White. A couple of weeks back, before the breakthrough in negotiations, the Seagulls rejected their initial offer said to be around £40m – reports claiming they will hold out for more for the defender.

All English Premier League

"Arsenal have reached an agreement in principle with Brighton for the transfer of defender Ben White.The agreement is subject to a medical, with the fee understood to be in the region of £50 million.The Athletic reported last month that a deal between Brighton and Arsenal was close, after the north London club’s initial advances for the 23-year-old were rejected. (Via: theathletic.com)"

White has been of interest for most of the clubs in the Premier League. Last summer Liverpool tried their hand, as well as his previous club, Leeds United. However, Brighton wanted one more season from Ben White and got it.

Arsenal have already added one new defender

If/when the deal is announced between the two Premier League clubs, White will be the second summer arrival following the inclusion of Nuno Tavares from Benfica.

With Hector Bellerin also rumoured to be on his way out of the Emirates – the fullback department is short of personnel – hence the inclusion of Tavares recently.

Arsenal wants a fresh, young and athletic backline and are well on their way to achieving this transfer goal this summer.

Following this, the club’s priority will switch to the midfield – players such as Albert Sambi Lokonga, Houssem Aouar and Yves Bissouma have all been listed as targets for the Gunners.