Man Utd, Chelsea criticised over Arsenal beating them to Ben White deal
Manchester United and Chelsea have been told they have slipped up by missing out on a deal to sign Brighton and England defender Ben White this summer.
The talented centre-back looks set to swap the south coast for north London after a £50million deal was agreed with Arsenal. White will join fellow new boys Nuno Tavares and Albert Sangi Lokonga at the Emirates in what is expected to be a busy summer for Mikel Arteta’s men.
One area of his team that Arteta has specifically looked to improve is his defence, with White set to replace David Luiz after the Brazilian was allowed to move on.
Liverpool and Tottenham showed initial interest in the former Leeds loanee. United, Chelsea and the Gunners soon followed. But it’s the latter who have proved successful with their third offer for the player.
Speaking about the imminent move, former Liverpool star Danny Murphy feels that Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and Thomas Tuchel missed a trick by not signing the 23-year-old.
He told talkSPORT: “Ultimately, as a player, you can only make a decision based on the opportunity in front of you.
“If I’m Ben White, I’m going to Arsenal. They are the ones after me and it’s a step up, it’s a huge club.
“Yes, it’s a risk in terms of will they progress from last season and can Mikel Arteta improve that squad? But he’s obviously sold him that and he feels wanted.
“It’s a massive opportunity because he will play every week. It’s a great environment to play your football and a better environment than Brighton.
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Top four a possibility for Arsenal
“Is it a progression in his career? Yes it is. It’s easy to look at last season and think Arsenal won’t be competitive. But they could get into the top-four next season.
“You can only move to a club that wants you. I agree that his quality and potential is really good. I’m surprised that Manchester United or Chelsea haven’t come in for him.”
With Tavares and Lokonga on board and a deal for White imminent, Arsenal’s focus is now expected to switch to more outgoings.
William Saliba and Matteo Guendouzi have already joined Marseille on loan. The likes of Granit Xhaka and Lucas Torreira are also expected to be on the move in the coming weeks.
The Gunners are next in action this Sunday when they take on Inter Milan in the Florida Cup.
READ MORE: Arsenal place stumbling block in Serie A deal, as transfer hopes raised
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