It is proving to be a busy summer of transfer activity for Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta.
Although, at the time of writing, the Gunners are yet to complete their first signing of the summer, the club do have several deals in the pipeline, in the hope that they can soon kick-start a memorable summer recruitment drive.
football.london understands that the Gunners are close to wrapping up the signings of Benfica left-back Nuno Tavares and Albert Sambi Lakonga of Anderlecht, with the pair set to cost Arsenal a combined total of £25million.
The additions of those two, however, is not the only deal that Arsenal hope to get over the line, with the club continuing to work hard on a deal to bring Ben White to the Emirates Stadium.
The Brighton & Hove Albion defender has been closely linked with a move to the Emirates Stadium for the past month or so and there is a really strong sense of confidence that a deal can be done.
With that said, here is a round-up of football.london knows so far concerning White’s future and the Gunners’ hopes of getting a deal over the line.
£50m price tag
At the start of June, Brighton slapped a £50million price tag on White, according to the Mail.
The outlet reported that the Seagulls were resigned to losing the defender, but wanted to make the most money they possibly could.
White still has three years to run on his deal at the Amex, meaning Potter’s men are in a strong position to negotiate with other clubs.
Leeds reportedly had a £25million bid – half of his new asking price – offer rejected last summer.
Brighton’s stance on losing key players
Brighton chief executive Paul Barber admitted recently that the defender could leave this summer – but only if the price is right.
“We know some of our best players aren’t going to be with us forever and, if the right offer comes along – and it has to be the right offer – and they want to leave, then they can go,” Barber said.
“If we’ve got players leaving, then we’ve got back-up internally, and we can go out into the transfer market. We’re always looking ahead.”
Arsenal have also been linked with Brighton midfielder Yves Bissouma this summer.
White’s transfer stance made clear
football.london understands that White wants to move to Arsenal this summer amid interest from the north London giants.
That’s despite putting pen-to-paper on a new contract down on the south coast last year.
Also, according to the Mail, White would command a significant wage increase if he is to leave Brighton following his new status as an England international.
The Gunners might be in a strong position to offer him this, though, with Luiz leaving the club which represents a significant number off the current wage bill.
£40m bid rejected
football.london reported last month that the Gunners have launched a big-money bid for the England centre-back.
As outlined above, Brighton reportedly want £50million for White, which might not make it surprising that Arsenal’s opening bid of £40million has been turned down.
As it stands, Arteta has William Saliba, who is set to join Marseille on loan, Calum Chambers, Rob Holding, Pablo Mari and Gabriel Magalhaes as his central defensive options as he looks to recruit White.
Man City talks
According to The Transfer Window podcast, Manchester City have held ‘preliminary’ talks with White’s entourage as they look to beat Arsenal to the signing.
However, football.london understands that the Gunners are still confident they can complete a deal for the England international once the Euro 2020 campaign has concluded.
The Three Lions play in the semi-final of the international tournament on Wednesday evening as they take on Denmark at Wembley.
Gunners in the driving seat
The Gunners remain in pole position to land White’s signature this summer.
Despite interest from both Manchester City and Everton, football.london understands, that a deal to bring White to north London is all but complete.
The Gunners are hoping that they can wrap up a deal for his signature once Euro 2020 has reached its conclusion. White is also understood to be keen on making the move to the Emirates Stadium.
Chelsea join the race
Arsenal’s London rivals, Chelsea, have joined the race to sign White this summer, meaning there could be a late derailment in Arsenal’s attempts to get a deal over the line for his signature.
According to a report, as cited by the Express, the Blues are poised to provide the Gunners with “significant competition” to try and land his signature.
White, currently on England duty, is admired by the Blues, but Arsenal, it is understood, remain in pole position to get a deal over the line.
New Gunners bid launched
According to Duncan Castles of the Transfer Window Podcast, Arsenal have increased their bid to try and get a deal done for White this summer.
The summer window is officially open, and it’s going to be tough to keep up with the comings and goings in and out of the Emirates.
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He claims that the north Londoners have now tabled a new bid worth £54million to try and lure the former Leeds ace to the Emirates Stadium.
It is reported that Arsenal have offered an initial fee of £48million, plus an additional £6million in performance-related add-ons to bring the total price to £54million.
Brighton are yet to accept an official Arsenal offer, but there is a strong sense of confidence from in around the Emirates Stadium that a deal will get done.