Arsenal have reportedly had a £50m bid for defender Ben White accepted by Brighton with the two clubs currently discussing how the deal will be structured.
If Arsenal were planning on making statement signings this summer, then £50m for Ben White is quite the place to start. Arsenal, Brighton, Ben White, are all in agreement – he should become an Arsenal player
On Ben White, one source has just told me that discussions are ongoing between the 2 clubs as to the structure of the deal but either way this will not be a problem. Barring any late bids from other clubs (I don’t think there will be) Ben will be a Arsenal player. #ars #BHAFC
— Aden-Jay Wood (@AJWood16) June 24, 2021
Earlier in the day, David Ornstein reported that Arsenal were moving closer to an agreement with Brighton and Hove Albion over the signing of Ben White. Brighton wanted £50m, Arsenal were offering £45m plus £5m in add-ons, but a deal is not far off now.
In his article on The Athletic, Ornstein says Arsenal are progressing in negotiations. Positive face-to-face talks have taken place and the parties involved share a strong relationship, so a consensus is likely.
Arsenal Brighton Ben White deal details
Ongoing negotiations are likely to focus on the £5m bonus payments and the structure of the fee.
Personal terms aren’t expected to be a problem and other suitors for White’s signature are now reportedly under the impression he is joining Arsenal.
Ornstein was one of many to report previously that Arsenal would be returning for White after their initial £40m bid was knocked back.
At the time, Brighton correspondents suggested it would take more than £50m to convince them to sell, but it seems the two parties are edging towards a compromise.
White is currently away with England at Euro 2020. Perhaps fortunately, he hasn’t featured at the tournament so far, keeping his price from inflating further.