Ben White: David Seaman makes Arsenal target claim

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David Seaman has told Goal that Ben White has got everything needed to be a good signing for Arsenal as the Gunners reportedly edge closer to landing the centre-back in the transfer window.

White looks to be Edu’s top target as Arsenal look to replace David Luiz. And according to The Athletic, talks continue over a fee for the 23-year-old.

The report claimed that the Gunners are prepared to pay £45 million up front plus £5 million in bonuses. Brighton meanwhile, would prefer £50 million up front.

It is a huge statement from Arsenal. Arteta is not short of centre-back options – even with Luiz moving on.

And you could understand if there were supporters with questions about paying such a fee for the England international.

But Seaman has insisted that he is extremely optimistic about the youngster.

“He’s got everything [needed] to go and take hold of it and give it his best shot,” he told Goal. “He’s got the physique, he’s got the temperament. At Leeds it’s a high-press, high-tempo game, so his fitness is also not in doubt.

“The only question mark you can put on him is can he play in the big games? But we’ll just have to wait and see, because he’s not played in them yet.

“Would he be a good signing for Arsenal? Of course he would because he’s a good player.”

Ben White ready to take another step forward in his career

What has been so remarkable about White’s career so far is the way he has progressed year on year.

The Brighton man was finishing a loan spell in League Two this time three years ago. The following season, he was in League One before heading into the Championship after that.

He was outstanding at Leeds. And he has just won Brighton’s Player of the Season in his first year in the top flight.

He is now in the England squad at Euro 2020. So while, as Seaman notes, he lacks big-match experience, there is every reason to believe that he will shine on the bigger stage.