What Welbeck said about Arsenal target Ben White
Arsenal are one of the sides reportedly interested in Ben White, with the Daily Mail reporting that the England revelation has a £50 million asking price.
It has been a remarkable rise for the centre-back. This time last year, he was preparing to help Leeds over the line in the Championship promotion race.
Fast forward to the present day, and White is now in genuine contention to start for the Three Lions in the opening game of Euro 2020 after being promoted to the final squad.
He has enjoyed an outstanding campaign with Brighton. So it is little surprise to see a host of Premier League rivals circling.
According to the Daily Mail, one of those keen are Arsenal. And it is suggested that the Seagulls have set a £50 million asking price to try and deter his admirers.
For some, that price may seem a little steep. Graham Potter’s side did not have the best campaign.
White meanwhile, only made his Premier League debut in September.
But one player who would probably suggest that he is worth the outlay is former Gunners striker Danny Welbeck.
The 30-year-old recently lauded his teammate following his inclusion in the provisional England squad.
“Ben has got so much ability,” he told Brighton’s official website. “For a defender his range of passing is fantastic. Physically he’s so strong, he’s fast, there’s countless things I can say about him on the pitch.
“Off the pitch he’s so laid back, he’s always preparing himself well. I can see why Gareth Southgate has called him up and I am so happy for him to get that recognition he deserves.
“Now he needs to keep his head down and keep working hard and know that if he can get to this stage at this age, he can go a lot further with hard work.”
Ben White progress hints he could handle step up in his career amid Welbeck praise
What has been so impressive about White’s development is the progress he has made.
In the last four years, he has played in all four of the top divisions in England, stepping up a level each season.
He has now moved to that next level, finding himself on the international stage. And the way he has dealt with each step suggests that there is more to come – as Welbeck claims.
Admittedly, his asking price may make an Arsenal move unlikely.
Mikel Arteta does not necessarily need a new centre-back. There looks to be greater priorities.
But if Arsenal do decide to break the bank, they could certainly do a lot worse than listen to Welbeck and bring White to the Emirates.
