Report: Edu closing in on big-money signing, would be third most expensive in Arsenal history

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Arsenal are close to completing the third biggest deal in the club’s history, Football London suggested last night.

Arsenal have now almost settled a fee with Brighton & Hove Albion for Ben White, in a transfer which will be worth £50 million, as Edu closes in on landing his first summer signing.

Arsenal are said to have been confident of getting a deal done for some time.

And Football London reported yesterday that the transfer has now moved closer to completion, after some development in negotiations.

A leap of faith

At £50 million the Gunners are showing a sizeable amount of faith in a player who has only experienced one year of Premier League football.

However, his potential is obvious, and at 23 he could yet turn into a star.

Mikel Arteta has always been heralded as a brilliant coach, and his skills on the training ground will be tested with White.

The youngster would be making a step up by joining Arsenal, and he would need to quickly progress to ensure that he is ready to become the club’s third most expensive signing ever.

Only Nicolas Pepe and Alexandre Lacazette have cost Arsenal more than the £50 million fee that is set for White.

White is extremely comfortable on the ball, while also being a strong tackler.

And both those qualities should appeal to Arteta, who has placed a precedence on playing out from the back throughout his time with the Gunners.