Arsenal

Arsenal: Charles Watts offers update in chase for Ben White

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Image for Arsenal: Charles Watts offers update in chase for Ben White

Arsenal insider Charles Watts has provided an update on the club’s pursuit of Brighton and Hove Albion defender Ben White.

A report in The Athletic recently claimed that the Gunners were showing an interest in the 23-year-old England international despite only having had one season of Premier League football under his belt. They reportedly made an opening offer of £40m for his services, an offer that was subsequently rejected by Graham Potter’s side.

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Watts spoke about the situation during a recent Q&A session on his channel (6:48), and in there he seemed to confirm that Arsenal are still looking at him despite their initial setback, and that although there might be some difficulties in trying to convince Brighton to let him leave, he didn’t foresee Arsenal calling their chase off just yet:

“Arsenal are certainly very interested in Ben White, they’re very serious when it comes to trying to sign him.

“I wouldn’t be surprised if they get it over the line, but they’ve got to meet Brighton’s demands and Brighton are in a very strong position when it comes to selling Ben White, he’s got a long-term contract, he’s young, he’s an England International, they’re not going to let him go on the cheap.

“So if they Arsenal really want to get this done, then they’re going to have to come to some sort of compromise or just pay the asking price that Brighton are asking.”

TIF Thoughts on Charles Watts’ comments about Arsenal and Ben White

Would you like to see Arsenal sign Ben White?

Yes

Yes

No

No

If Arsenal are that convinced that White can come in and make a difference for them both in defence, where his tackles and interception numbers from last year would have put him joint-fifth and first respectively up against this current Arsenal side, or in attack where he has an average pass count of 48.5 per game and pass completion rate of 83.2% (as per WhoScored), then they should go all out to get him.

Because whilst they may not be in the greatest financial position right now, if White can come in and make that big impact that pushes them into Europe and makes them a more competitive team, then he will have made that money back for them more or less within one season.

It’s a big gamble for them to take, but after the season they have just had, they don’t really have anything to lose at this rate.

In other news: ‘I still expect’ – Charles Watts drops transfer claim as £17.2m-rated Arsenal target emerges

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Freelance sports journalist & broadcaster.