Arsenal have already missed out on Emi Buendia and if they are not careful then they might not be able to sign centre-back Ben White as well.
The Brighton and Hove Albion defender has been Arsenal’s biggest transfer target this summer and as per some reports, Mikel Arteta is even ready to pay £50 million(Brighton’s asking price) for him.
The Arsenal fans have been really buoyant with this news but it looks like their joy might be short-lived since not one but two Premier League clubs have joined the race to sign Ben White this summer.
Everton are the first club that have stepped up their interest in the centre-back despite knowing that Brighton are demanding £50 million.
It’s really hard to see a club like Everton spending so much money on a single player but if they can sell a few unwanted players then there’s every chance they will be able to match the asking price.
Everton’s interest is certainly one to look out for but Arsenal will be really worried about Manchester City since The Express are claiming that the Premier League champions have already held talks with Brighton.
The report claims: “Manchester City could gatecrash Arsenal’s transfer plans this summer after holding preliminary talks with Ben White. The Brighton star is a top target of Mikel Arteta’s in the current window.
“City have held preliminary talks with Brighton star White, giving Arsenal cause for concern.”
Manchester City are the best team in the land right now so an interest from them is sure to excite Ben White as well as Brighton.
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Not only do City have the financial power to offer the asking price but at the same time, they can also offer the defender enormous wages, something which Arsenal will never be able to match
To make matters worse, Arsenal won’t be able to offer European football either which is another big reason why the North London side are not likely to attract the big stars this summer.
The only thing they have going for them is that at Man City, Ben White will never be an automatic first-choice centre-back but at Arsenal, he can very easily command that position next season.
Ben White is valued at only £25.2 million according to TransferMarkt but since he has three more years left on his current deal, the Seagulls are able to quote such high prices.
