Report: Jose Mourinho battling Arsenal in £45m pursuit of Ben White

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The Sun have claimed that Arsenal and Manchester United have been joined by Jose Mourinho in the race to sign Brighton defender Ben White – with the Seagulls willing to sanction the exit of the ex-Leeds star for £45million.

White, 23, has risen to prominence over the space of the last two seasons – after he left Brighton as an unknown to join Marcelo Bielsa’s Leeds on loan. He played all 49 games of the 2019-20 campaign, as Leeds were promoted.

Leeds tried to sign him permanently but he returned to parent club Brighton where he has been one of Graham Potter’s star performers – clocking up 36 appearances in all competitions and helping the Seagulls avoid the drop.

The latest report claims Mourinho, who has since taken over at Roma ahead of the new season following his Tottenham sacking, wants to take him to Italy – joining Arsenal and United in pursuit of the £45million-rated star.

The report also lists Liverpool, Mauricio Pochettino’s PSG and Borussia Dortmund as interested parties.

TBR’s view – White needs to remain in English football

While a move to Roma would be glamorous and might even suit White’s style of play, he needs to remain in England if he is to have any aspirations of becoming an England regular. Chris Smalling’s England hopes have died off.

A move to Manchester United would surely see him partner Harry Maguire at centre-back, while a move to Arsenal would see him start week in week out. He would likely start for Roma, but his progression might go under the radar.

He should consider leaving his boyhood club this summer, but only if a bigger English club comes calling.