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Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
Sport
Alex Milne

Arsenal complete £50m Ben White transfer as Gunners' spending spree continues

Arsenal have confirmed the signing of centre-back Ben White from Brighton in a deal thought to be worth around £50m.

The Gunners have been busy this summer, with left-back Nuno Tavares and central midfielder Albert Sambi Lokonga already joining.

And on Friday White became the third new name through the door after signing his contract until 2026 and completing his medical.

Arsenal confirmed his signing with a video on social media which ended with White wearing an Arsenal shirt, tapping the badge and saying "let's get to work".

Ben White's move from Brighton to Arsenal has been confirmed (Arsenal FC via Getty Images)

Speaking about the move, technical director Edu said: “Ben has been a key target this summer. He has so many qualities which make us so excited he’s joining us.

"Ben’s a young English player with a great future. He’s very strong defensively, good on the ball with a great passing range. We’re delighted Ben’s signed and we look forward to him growing with us.”

Mikel Arteta added: “Ben was a top target for us and it’s great that we’ve completed his signing. Ben has been educated with two very good clubs, Brighton and Leeds, in recent seasons.

"He has benefitted well from two very good coaching set-ups and has shown with both Brighton and on loan with Leeds what a strong talent he is.

"Ben is an intelligent defender who is very comfortable with the ball at his feet and his style fits perfectly with us. And of course, he is still young, so his age and profile fits with what we are building here.

White poses with Mikel Arteta and Edu (Arsenal FC via Getty Images)

"We are all looking forward to Ben being central to our future long-term plans."

Earlier in the day a leaked picture appeared online showing him holding an Arsenal shirt alongside Edu and Arteta.

And it has been confirmed that he will wear the No.4 at the Emirates.

But not everybody is delighted with the signing, with Arsenal legend Sol Campbell earlier this week admitting he had some concerns over White.

“He’s played 36 games for Brighton. Is it one for the future? He’s 23-years-old, definitely one for the future,” he told talkSPORT.

“I don’t think you can know too much about someone. In the sense that age wise, you know.

“He needs to work out because Arsenal are not in a position to shift out £50million for a player. He’ll definitely have to start if it does happen and the medical is all good and get going.

“It’s a difficult one, it’s a lot of money but in the years ahead, they see a future. They see someone who can come in and play midfielder, full-back.

“He needs to have a situation where at £50m he needs to be a master of his position and that’s what he has to be.”

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