Journalist Charles Watts has recently spoken about Arsenal’s deal for Brighton and Hove Albion defender Ben White.
Arsenal are reportedly close to sealing the signature of White this summer, having agreed a fee of £50 million to sign the defender. Manchester United and Tottenham were also previously said to be interested in the Englishman, but he now seems to be heading towards the Emirates Stadium.
Is White a perfect fit for Arsenal?
Yes
No
Watts talked about White when he appeared in the latest video on his YouTube channel. He provided some more details about the incoming transfer, claiming that Arsenal were always confident that they’d be able to sign the Englishman.
The journalist claimed: “So a £50 million bid has been accepted. Arsenal and Brighton have been in talks with Ben White for a long, long time, I’ve spoken about it numerous times on these videos.
“But a £50 million bid has been accepted, that was accepted [on Friday] by Brighton. Arsenal were always confident this was a deal they were going to get done, despite having two bids rejected previously by Brighton.
“The talks have been amicable, both clubs have been working towards finding a solution. Brighton are well aware it was a decent sort of [fee]. Arsenal have kind of made it clear they would be willing to meet the £50 million that Brighton wanted.
“It was just all about getting the structure right, getting the clauses right, the bonuses right, that sort of thing. That’s what the clubs have been working towards in the last couple of weeks since the second bid was rejected. They’ve come to an agreement now.”
TIF Thoughts on White’s move to Arsenal…
White is still only 23 and he doesn’t just play at centre-back, he can also play at right-back and in midfield. So he can clearly add depth in multiple positions of the pitch (As per Transfermarkt).
White is known to be a technical defender and thrives on ball-carrying. He is known to read play well and he has good anticipation.
Mikel Arteta’s system at Arsenal relies on building from the back, but at one point in the season, they had the slowest build-up in the league. So perhaps, White’s ball-carrying and progression abilities can help them in this regard.
In other news: “Doesn’t seem to fancy him” – Exclusive: Pundit drops Arteta verdict on exciting Arsenal prodigy