Arsenal face strong late competition from Everton in their attempts to get Ben White against Brighton and England, with the ambitious Toffees seemingly keen to support new boss Rafa Benitez in the transfer market ahead of the new season.
The Gunners had come closer to reaching an agreement with Brighton on the potential transfer, but now a fast-moving Everton have a chance to beat them.
Brighton rejected an opening bid of £ 40 million from Arsenal earlier this month and the Daily Mail writes that a second bid worth £ 42 million plus an additional £ 6 million has also been rejected. The Seagulls are sticking to their £ 50m valuation and the report explains that Everton have had talks this week.
It is said that while Everton have not yet made a bid, they have indicated to Brighton that they would be prepared to make a better offer than the ones Arsenal have made so far.
Everton support new boss Rafa Benitez by bidding on White / Mike Hewitt / Getty Images
Toffees would offer a guaranteed £ 50m, split into a £ 20m fee up front, followed by the remaining £ 30m paid in installments over four years of White’s proposed contract.
White is said to have been “particularly keen” on joining Arsenal but has been impressed with the speed with which Everton have moved and is not opposed to going to Goodison Park instead.
A midfielder is an important part of Arsenal’s summer plans for a team building. With a number of players expected to leave, the Gunners have been given permission by the Kroenke family to spend up to £ 250 million this summer in several key positions.
Arsenal are ready to fund a £ 250 million reconstruction for Mikel Arteta / Dan Mullan / Getty Images
Midfielder, right-back, goalkeeper and two central midfielders are priority positions, but the owners specifically want new gigs to be younger than 25 and have the potential to both improve as players in the long term and increase value.
White fit that profile but Arsenal will need to increase their game to beat Everton to the deal.
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