Arsenal have completed the signing of Ben White from Brighton in a £50m deal, making him their third-most expensive arrival. The 23-year-old centre-back has signed a five-year contract and will wear the No 4 shirt. Manager Mikel Arteta views White's ability to pass out from defence and step into midfield as key to speeding up Arsenal's game.
The club are now focusing on persuading Héctor Bellerín and Granit Xhaka to stay. Both players are keen to move, but Arsenal are preparing new contract offers. Bellerín's representatives met technical director Edu this week, and the club rejected Inter's loan proposal, seeking only a permanent transfer or loan with obligation to buy. Xhaka is subject of a bid from Roma, which Arsenal have rejected; they will ask the midfielder to extend his deal.
White impressed for Brighton last season, his first in the Premier League, having spent loans with Newport, Peterborough and Leeds. He played every match for Leeds in their 2019-20 Championship promotion. Brighton recouped a club-record fee for White, who missed only two top-flight games in 2020-21 and occasionally started in midfield.
“Ben is an intelligent defender who is very comfortable with the ball at his feet and his style fits perfectly with us,” Arteta said. “He is still young, so his age and profile fits with what we are building here.” White won his first England caps in pre-Euro 2020 friendlies and was selected for the final squad.
The deal brings Arsenal’s summer spending close to £75m, following the signings of Albert Sambi Lokonga and Nuno Tavares. Arteta seeks further additions, including a goalkeeper, playmaker and striker, but may need to sell fringe players first.
