Ben White could turn out to be the perfect signing for Arsenal.
As reported by football.london on Tuesday, the Gunners are closing in on a deal for the England defender, thus making him their first signing of the summer transfer window.
Arsenal remain locked in talks with Brighton and Hove Albion after seeing their opening bid of £40m rejected last week, but a decision has already been made to return with a second offer.
Should Gunners technical director Edu get this deal over the line, he will be adding a player of great versatility to Mikel Arteta’s first-team squad ahead of the new season.
White was impressive for Brighton last season after a successful loan spell at Leeds, and can play as a centre-back or a defensive midfielder.
And with Arsenal on the market to bolster in both positions, his versatility could mean that two transfer missions can be completed with one transfer.
Although, Arteta and Edu have been told by Brighton boss Graham Potter what White’s best position is.
“It’s hard to predict someone’s career but I think Ben has got the capability to play a few positions,” said the Albion boss last season. “But if I’m guessing now I think he will end up as a central defender, of course.
“That’s his best position, that’s where he has played most of his games.
“I think he probably enjoyed the midfield role, probably a bit more against Crystal Palace because of the type of role it was.
“But I still felt he contributed well in the first half (against West Brom), recovered balls and gave us some balance.
“He has got the capability but I think if I’m going to a betting man I’d say centre-back of those positions will be his main position.”
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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Even if Arsenal sign White, it is unlikely that he will be used in a defensive midfield role as there’s talk of Yves Bissouma, Sander Berge, or Ruben Neves being earmarked for that position.
Although, having the option to use White in front of the back four would certainly be a luxury for Arteta especially in case of an injury nightmare next season.
White’s arrival in north London could lead to William Saliba heading back out on loan as sources close to the Frenchman have told football.london that they are ‘assessing what is best’ for the defender ahead of the new season.