Arsenal made two improvements to Ben White offer in second transfer bid this week

Arsenal: First fixtures of 2021/22 Premier League season

When you subscribe we will use the information you provide to send you these newsletters. Sometimes they’ll include recommendations for other related newsletters or services we offer. Our Privacy Notice explains more about how we use your data, and your rights. You can unsubscribe at any time.

Arsenal submitted an improved offer for Brighton defender Ben White earlier this week, according to reports. Arsenal saw an initial offer of £40million turned down by Brighton for White last month. The Gunners are in advanced talks to secure the England international but now face competition from elsewhere.

Everton are said to be interested in signing White following the appointment of Rafa Benitez as the club’s new manager.

Arsenal are in the market for a defender following the departures of Sokratis Papastathopoulos and Shkodran Mustafi in January, and David Luiz this summer.

White appears to be Mikel Arteta’s top target in that position but Brighton want £50m for the 23-year-old.

Transfer expert Duncan Castles claims Arsenal improved two aspects of their offer to Brighton in a new bid this week.

JUST IN: Chelsea will ‘100 per cent’ sign striker this summer as Declan Rice decision made

Arsenal offered more up front for White as well as a better structure of payments.

However, a fee is yet to be agreed between the two clubs.

Speaking on Reach PLC’s Transfer Window podcast, Castles said: “My understanding is that this week they have improved their offer, increased the initial down payment and made the schedule of the payments over the course of the contract more attractive to Brighton.

“But as yet there is not an agreement between the two clubs on the transfer fee.

DON’T MISS
Alan Shearer dubbed ‘woke’ after questioning old Newcastle chant ‘sung by thousands’ [QUOTES]
Raphael Varane’s plan for Man Utd training as John Murtough pursues transfer [REPORT]
England fans should spare the country embarrassment and stop booing anthems [COMMENT]

“Why not an agreement? I think it’s the degree of interest in White, his age, young England international, his speed and comfort on the ball.

“It’s the balance of characteristics that clubs are looking for in defenders these days.”

Meanwhile, Crystal Palace winger Andros Townsend has no doubts over White’s ability and says Arsenal will have a quality player on their hands if they can finalise a deal.

“Even before he played for England, I knew Ben White was a top player,” Townsend told talkSPORT.

“I’m surprised he wasn’t in the original England squad because I think he’s the perfect player that Gareth [Southgate] wants. He’s calm and composed on the ball, he can play out from the back.

“When we played Brighton I was tasked with marking him, trying to close him down, press high up the pitch and get close to him, but I couldn’t get near him.

“He’s so composed on the ball, I was putting my best work in, trying to get close and put him under pressure, but before I could get to him he’d popped it off and they were out.

“If this deal goes over the line, I know Arsenal are getting a top player. Maybe not as a leader, no, but I know the way Mikel Arteta likes to play.

“And Ben White, maybe not vocally but definitely technically, he’d fit in perfectly with the way they want to build up from the back.”

Source: Read Full Article