Arsenal have tabled a £40 million bid for Brighton & Hove Albion centre-back Ben White.
However, the Seagulls have knocked back the offer, according to Sky Sports reporter Dharmesh Sheth.
Brighton reject £40m bid from Arsenal for Ben White. Talks ongoing. Arsenal expected to go back in. #AFC #BHAFC
— Dharmesh Sheth (@skysports_sheth) June 16, 2021
Both clubs are continuing talks, and the Gunners are expected to return with an improved bid.
This could deal a huge blow on Leeds United’s chances of signing the England international.
According to Sunday Times journalist Duncan Castles, the Elland Road outfit want to bring White back to Yorkshire this summer, but Brighton’s demands could frustrate them.
Arsenal, Leeds United, Leicester City all interested in Ben White.
Brighton and Hove Albion value the England defender at over £50million. https://t.co/TGJkelM342 pic.twitter.com/H93NWDAga4— Duncan Castles (@DuncanCastles) June 11, 2021
Leeds moved on after their attempts and bids for the 23-year-old were rejected last summer, and it would take more than £50m for suitors to land him, according to talkSPORT’s Alex Crook.
No surprise #BHAFC have knocked back #AFC bid for Ben White. Told the Seagulls want more than £50m for the #ENG centre-back
— Alex Crook ⚽️🎙 (@alex_crook) June 16, 2021
Sportslens View
While Leeds head coach Marcelo Bielsa is a fan of White after his impressive loan spell in 2019-20 culminated in his side’s Premier League promotion, it is safe to say a move will not be happening.
The Whites are not keen on spending heavily on players given their recruitment strategy, and there is no way they will be parting ways with £50m for one player.
That is an entire budget for a single transfer window, and they will be looking elsewhere should they need a centre-back.
After signing Robin Koch and Diego Llorente last summer, it does not seem that another central defender is of priority to the Peacocks at the moment.
A new left-back is particularly of utmost importance, and that is an area Director of Football Victor Orta and Bielsa would be looking to strengthen.
Read: Everton and Leeds United going head to ahead for prodigy.
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