Arsenal are closing in on the signing of Brighton centre-back Ben White after agreeing a £50m deal to sign the Englishman.
The Gunners are looking to rejuvenate their defence this summer and quickly set their sights on White, who made his England debut in the build-up to Euro 2020 and was part of Gareth Southgate's squad that reached the final.
For White, the summer fun doesn't stop there as The Sun state that Arsenal have agreed to Brighton's £50m asking price to sign him. News of an agreement has since been backed up by David Ornstein.
Earlier bids of £40m and £42m had been shot down, with Brighton keen to collect the full £50m for the 23-year-old, whose spot in the England squad only added a little extra to his price tag.
Personal terms on a five-year contract have already been agreed with White's representatives, meaning just a medical stands in the way of the youngster becoming one of the most expensive English players of all time.
White is currently away on holiday following the conclusion of Euro 2020, but once he returns, he will head over to north London for the medical checks.
Interestingly, it's suggested that Arsenal had to fight off late interest in White's signature from Chelsea, who were recently tipped to try and move for the 23-year-old as part of their own search for a new centre-back.
Whether the Blues actually bid or not is unclear, but it's irrelevant now anyway as Arsenal are finally closing in on their man.
Landing White will be the biggest part of what has already been a hectic summer for Mikel Arteta's side.
Young left-back Nuno Tavares has already joined the club for around £8m and a £15m deal for Anderlecht midfielder Albert Sambi Lokonga is in the works. There are also plans to splash out on another midfielder, with Lyon's Houssem Aouar and Lille's Renato Sanches two of several targets on the radar.
Arsenal have also voiced an interest in signing Chelsea striker Tammy Abraham, who could cost in the region of £40m.
This article was originally published on 90min as Arsenal agree £50m Ben White transfer fee with Brighton.
Source: www.90min.com