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Arsenal: 3 Premier League Ben White transfer alternatives

By Krish Ajmani

LONDON, ENGLAND - APRIL 20: Ben White of Brighton & Hove Albion makes a point during the Premier League match between Chelsea and Brighton & Hove Albion at Stamford Bridge on April 20, 2021 in London, England. Sporting stadiums around the UK remain under strict restrictions due to the Coronavirus Pandemic as Government social distancing laws prohibit fans inside venues resulting in games being played behind closed doors. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND - APRIL 20: Ben White of Brighton & Hove Albion makes a point during the Premier League match between Chelsea and Brighton & Hove Albion at Stamford Bridge on April 20, 2021 in London, England. Sporting stadiums around the UK remain under strict restrictions due to the Coronavirus Pandemic as Government social distancing laws prohibit fans inside venues resulting in games being played behind closed doors. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images) /
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Reiss Nelson, Arsenal
Newcastle United’s English defender Jamaal Lascelles (L) is booked for this challenge on Arsenal’s English midfielder Reiss Nelson (R) during the English FA Cup third round football match between Arsenal and Newcastle. (Photo by GLYN KIRK/AFP via Getty Images) /

2. Jamaal Lascelles – Newcastle

Jamaal Lascelles was linked with Arsenal years ago. He has proven to be a stalwart at the back for Newcastle but has drifted out of the limelight recently, mostly due to Newcastle not being especially exciting.

An injury-riddled season meant that games were few and far between for the central defender last term but all that means, however, is that Lascelles may be undervalued should Arsenal make a move for him.

Lascelles embodies the archetypal Premier League defender. Physically imposing, deceptively quick and strong in the tackle, when fit, he is the first choice central defender for not only the Magpies but for most teams in the division.

Newcastle always seems to be fighting against the drop but their defensive nous and strength at the back has kept them up season after season. Lascelles has been crucial to their efforts. He is, like Keane, another experienced option playing week-in, week-out for multiple seasons (except for this most recent one) and is still only 27. Add to his knowledge of English football his physical attributes and old-school way of defending and you have an undervalued bargain alternative to Ben White.

Lascelles does not have the ability on the ball yet he compensates for it through determination. He revels in every challenge and fights tooth and nail for every ball. His age profile, while older, ensures that Saliba’s development would not be affected if he joins the first team next year.

Nothing like White in style, he’s another who could help promote Saliba’s expansive qualities, perhaps at left centre-back.

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