Ben White has shown why he’ll win Arsenal fans over as Gunners consider unpopular decision – TBR View

Add as preferred source on Google

Arsenal are now reportedly considering a decision on William Saliba in the summer transfer window that would surely be deeply unpopular with many supporters as they pursue Ben White.

According to Football London, the Gunners could end up selling Saliba permanently.

The report notes that they remain in talks to sign the England international after having a £40 million bid rejected. Previous reports claimed that a second offer is on its way.

If Saliba does leave, it is likely that many Arsenal fans will be incredibly unhappy.

Many seemed baffled by Mikel Arteta’s reluctance to use him last season. And several kept a keen eye on his progress while on loan at Nice.

There were also plenty who were furious amid recent reports that he could leave for Bayer Leverkusen.

Meanwhile, there also seemed to be a mixed reaction to the reports that a bid for White had been made.

So there may be a lot of pressure on White, should he join and his arrival push Saliba through the Emirates exit.

But that may not necessarily be an unfamiliar situation for the Englishman.

Ben White has already proved he could vindicate controversial Arsenal decision

Leeds United fans knew little about Ben White this time two years ago. In fact, many probably did not even realise that he played against the Whites in an FA Cup tie in 2018.

But in July 2019, the Whites signed the Brighton man on loan. At the time, the defender had not played at a level higher than League One.

Nevertheless, days later, Leeds announced that Pontus Jansson had been sold to Brentford.

Understandably, it was a move that upset a lot of fans. Jansson had secured cult-hero status at Elland Road.

The Swede seemed, for much of his spell before Marcelo Bielsa’s arrival, one of the few Premier League-bound players in the Leeds side.

Shortly after his sale, Marcelo Bielsa himself admitted that he had been the Whites’ best player the previous year.

His departure sent White up the pecking order. And while some were initially concerned, it was not long before the loan deal for the 23-year-old began to look like a masterstroke.

Ultimately, White started every single league game for Leeds as they won promotion to the Championship.

And while the fee the Whites sold Jansson for remains a surprise, there is no doubt that Leeds found themselves an upgrade on the former Malmo man.

Gunners target ready to take another step in his career?

Admittedly, there are a couple of obvious differences before White’s Leeds loan and the move Arsenal are trying to put together.

Unlike Jansson, Saliba is a prospect yet to make his first-team debut for the Gunners.

And White is set to cost more than £40 million this time around. Surely, the fact that he was a loanee at Leeds took a little of the pressure off of him.

But there are similarities. Leeds were a giant in the second tier, so there were huge expectations.

And those expectations only increased when they sold one of their most popular players.

Arsenal should be a giant in the top flight. And Saliba is clearly one player the fans are desperate to see thrive in North London.

White has stepped up year after year. He was on loan in League Two just over three years ago.

He has recently been named a Premier League rival’s Player of the Season. And he is in England’s squad at Euro 2020.

There is a lot more to come from the youngster. So do not be surprised if he goes on to show why Arsenal were willing to let Saliba go – if he does join.