What Ben White will bring to Arsenal?

After the recent additions of Nuno Tavares and Albert Sambi Lokonga to Mikel Arteta’s ranks, Arsenal’s latest recruit comes in the form of 23-year-old England defender Ben White.

ONDON, ENGLAND - JUNE 29: Ben White of England looks on as he inspects the pitch prior to the UEFA Euro 2020 Championship Round of 16 match between England and Germany at Wembley Stadium on June 29, 2021 in London, England. (Photo by Alex Morton - UEFA/UEFA via Getty Images)

By Dan George23 July 2021 18:19 BST

Ben White is set to complete a £50m move to north London from the South Coast after his holidays following Euro 2020 but, what will the central defender bring to Emirates Stadium?

Previous spells

Ben White is a right sided Centre Back who had previous loan spells at Newport County, Peterborough United and Leeds before playing a pivotal role for Brighton in the 2020/21 Premier League season.

The Poole born defender was a vital part of Marcelo Bielsa’s Leeds team during his time on loan there in the 2019/20 season with his on the ball abilities being a key component of Bielsa’s style of play and how he likes to set up his team.

White is a ball playing centre back with the technical ability on the ball of a seasoned midfielder. Bursts out of defence accompanied with neat footwork and an eye for a pass make up his offensive skillset whilst he is also very disciplined in defence.

Where White fits into Arsenal’s system

White will most likely slot into the right Centre Back position which was previously occupied by Brazilian defender David Luiz.

The options for his partner will be Gabriel or Rob Holding with the former more likely to begin the season after Gabriel picked up an injury with the Brazilian team at the Olympics.

White will bring the progressive play and aid turning defence into attack. Bursts out of defence sometime end up on the edge of the Penalty area, giving the Gunners' another offensive option from deep.

Mikel Arteta likes his side to play out from the back when building play and, having ball playing centre backs at the base of his side has always been of the upmost importance.

White will utilise his confidence and ability on the ball to break through opposition presses and orchestrate attacks.

Key British core

Arteta views Arsenal's British core as a vital component of the team and sees it as something that should be built upon.

White will join other brits Kieran Tierney, Emile Smith-Rowe, Rob Holding, and Bukayo Saka as one of the key members of the squad.

Thrown into the deep end from the offset

White may be called to action from the kickoff of the 2021/22 Premier League season as Arsenal’s choices to make up the base of the Gunner’s spine remain thin.

Holding, Pablo Mari and White will be the main three defenders available from the opening matchday with Arsenal still yet to provide an update regarding the fitness and availability of Gabriel.