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Mikel Arteta's plan for Ben White emerges after Arsenal finally agree £50m deal
Arsenal are closing in on the signing of Brighton defender Ben White.
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Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta wants Ben White to be a central part of his plans moving forward, according to reports. Arsenal have finally agreed a fee with Brighton to sign versatile defender White. The Gunners will pay £50million for the England international who is likely to compete with Rob Holding for a starting spot in the middle of defence.
White is set to undergo his medical with Arsenal once he returns from his holiday later this month.
The 23-year-old was part of the England squad that reached the Euro 2020 final but did not play a single minute at the tournament for Gareth Southgate.
Reports say White, who can also play at right-back and in midfield, will put pen to paper on a five-year deal.
Speaking on Reach PLC's Transfer Window podcast, Duncan Castles has explained what attracted Arteta to White.
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Castles says it was not only White's ability on the ball as a defender but also his personality which caught Arteta's eye.
The Gunners boss also thinks White is a potential future captain of the club.
Castles said: "My understanding is that Arsenal are more confident now than they've ever been that they will get a deal over the line for Ben White, which would suggest that they have got to the £50m figure that Brighton have demanded to be the guaranteed fee for the England international from the start.
"That is a very important move for Mikel Arteta, he is driving this transfer, sees him as central to his plans, the right type of player, not simply from a technical point of view but also from a personality point of view, someone who can be a future captain for the club.
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"So if they get that deal done that's a big vote of confidence in Arteta from a recruitment department that are under pressure themselves."
Arsenal are likely to announce the signing of midfielder Albert Sambi Lokonga before completing a deal for White.
Sambi Lokonga is in the country but an announcement has been delayed due to the club's training ground shutting down after a number of positive Covid tests.
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Arteta also wants to bring in a more experienced midfielder, with Sassuolo star Manuel Locatelli and Wolves' Ruben Neves both targets.
There are a host of players who could leave the Emirates before the end of the summer window.
Granit Xhaka and Hector Bellerin are two of the most high-profile stars who could be on their way.