Arsenal on verge of Ben White transfer move

Arsenal and Brighton and Hove Albion have reached an agreement for the transfer of defender Ben White this summer. The Gunners have been chasing the defender since prior to the Euro 2020 tournament.

White, a member of England's Euro 2020 squad, is wanted as a long-term replacement for David Luiz who departed Arsenal on a free transfer. The Gunners see their defensive trio of Rob Holding, Ben White and Gabriel as sufficient in their efforts to regain European football for the 2021-22 campaign.

The Gunners have agreed a fee of £51.5 million for White, and the defender will sign a five year contract at the Emirates Stadium next week after returning from his summer vacation.

The 23-year-old centre-back, who helped Leeds United return to the Premier League in the 2019-20 season and appeared in 36 Premier League games for Brighton last campaign, is seen as one of England's brightest defensive prospects.

Arteta has made the signing of Nuno Tavares and Ben White his main objective this summer and the Spanish coach will be delighted to have finally secured a deal for the coveted defender.