Real Madrid icon Sergio Ramos was hailing the talents of Arsenal target Ben White as far back as his Newport County days.
The Gunners are set to complete a swoop for the now Brighton centre-back in a £50m deal, football.london understands.
After seeing their first bid knocked back, Arsenal returned with an improved offer and are expected to complete the signing soon.
The move comes after a highly impressive first season in the top flight in which he was a virtual ever-present for Graham Potter’s men, only sitting out two Premier League games throughout the 2020/21 campaign.
Whilst the 23-year-old displayed his potential, it was Ramos who at first spotted White playing for Newport County during the 2017/18 season.
Quite when the World Cup winner had the chance to watch the Exiles in action remains to be seen but Director of Football at Leeds United Victor Orta - who took White to Elland Road on-loan during the 2019/20 season - is adamant that Ramos was left hailing the young defender’s abilities.
Talking to The Phil Hay Show, the Spaniard said: “The loan at Newport was really good and when we start to monitor because we were watching, to be honest, I feel impressed.
“I remember in the first moment Sergio Ramos said 'who is this kid? Playing in the line of Newport'. And was really impressed.”
White helped Newport to an 11th place finish in League Two during his stint at the club before spells at Peterborough United and Leeds - the latter of which attempted to bring him back to Elland Road on a permanent deal.
Now though, Arsenal seem to have stolen a march and will be hugely confident of the signing considering Ramos’ early reference.
