Ben White to Arsenal transfer rumours have split opinions amongst the fanbase.
On one hand, supporters are very much keen on this transfer as the England defender could be the perfect replacement for David Luiz who will officially leave the club when his contract expires on June 30.
But on the other hand, some Arsenalfans are worried about what White’s potential arrival could mean for William Saliba who is yet to make a competitive appearance for the club despite signing for £27m two summers ago.
Regardless of what has been said on social media, one person who is a big fan of the Gunners transfer target is none other than Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp.
According to Football Insider, White’s display against the Reds when Brighton won 1-0 at Anfield last season made Klopp and his assistant Pep Lijnders ‘purr.’
Despite Adam Webster and Lewis Dunk being singled out for praise, the report states that Klopp and his number two were ‘hugely impressed’ by White in particular.
That could explain why White has been linked with a move to Liverpool this summer.
But Arsenal are winning the race for the 23-year-old’s signature and have not been put off by having an opening bid of £40m rejected by the Seagulls this week.
football.london understands that the Gunners intend to come back with a second offer as they look to secure White’s signature relatively quickly.
It is thought that Brighton are looking to secure around £50m for White, although Arsenal are hopeful of finding a compromise, with their second bid likely to be around the £45m mark.
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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And the Gunners have already been handed a boost in their bid to land White as Brighton chairman Tony Bloom won’t stand in the way of a move as long as the price is right.
“The more big clubs that are interested in our players, the more we’re doing right, so I am delighted with that,” he said. “We know some of our best players are not going to be with us forever.
“If the right offer comes along — and it has to be the right offer — and they want to go, then they will leave.
“I foresee the vast majority to be here at the beginning of next season.”