Why has Ben White joined Arsenal from Brighton?
Robin Bairner
- Updated: 30 Jul 2021 17:14 BST
- 3 min read
Ben White has completed a £50 million move to Arsenal from Brighton, making him one of the most expensive Premier League defenders of all time.
The 23-year-old centre-back, who can also play on the right of the rearguard, impressed on loan at Leeds during the 2019/20 season then successfully made the step up to the Premier League last term while back at parent club Brighton.
White caught the eye sufficiently to secure a spot in Gareth Southgate’s Euro 2020 squad, although he did not feature, but is regarded as one of the premier young defenders in the country.
He will now face another step up as he joins a ‘Big 6’ club, albeit one that will not play in Europe next season.
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White has admitted that getting Arsenal back to their previous level.
“I don't think I needed too much convincing to be fair,” he told the club’s official website. “Obviously Arsenal speaks for itself and I spoke to the gaffer a number of times during the summer. I got good vibes and the way the gaffer wants to play, I think I can produce quality in this team and hopefully get Arsenal back.
“I've played in the Football League, I've played for a number of teams on loan and the hunger's still there. I'm really happy to be at a massive club like this and hopefully bring the level up of this team.”
White explains what he will bring to Arsenal
Manager Mikel Arteta has spoken of the intelligence of White being one of the factors that attracted Arsenal to him. Additionally, he hinted that the passing nature of the games that Brighton and Leeds play were a factor in the defender being targeted.
White admits that composure on the ball is something he will try to bring to his new club.
“When times get hard in games, I can step up and control situations. I'm very relaxed on the ball and through that I can produce quality in bad moments of the game,” he said.
Signing White is a sign of the intention that Arsenal have of winning back a place in the Champions League, while for the young England star, the step up to the Gunners is one that offers him the possibility of stardom.
