Arsenal: 3 Premier League Ben White transfer alternatives

To say that the shopping list of positions Arsenal either need to reinforce or replace entirely is long would be a woeful understatement: right-back, center back, central midfielder, attacking midfielder, goalkeeper and striker(?) are all spots on the team sheet that need to be recruited.

Given the brilliant move of scrapping nearly the entire scouting department (who needs those guys in football anyway, right?), finding bargain deals has become a bit more difficult.

Arsenal’s interest in Ben White is as far from a bargain as you can get. Having played a full season of games in the Premier League, White has been quietly solid for Brighton. Yet £50m is an extreme valuation.

While he’s very good, he’s not that good. His price is inflated due to his contract situation, age, and the fact that he is English and fits the homegrown quota. The famous ‘tax’.

Arsenal: 3 Premier League Ben White transfer alternatives given huge £50m fee and Manchester City and Everton interest in defender

Regardless of how much the owners plan to back the club this window, there are cheaper alternatives to be found. Here are three other options plying their trade in the Premier League who could be smart summer moves, especially if another party were to swoop in and blow Arsenal out of the water.

3. Michael Keane – Everton

At the start of this list is an admittedly uninspiring signing. Michael Keane seems to have been around forever, but is somehow still only 28. He has played 182 times in England’s top flight and would provide an experienced option at the back.

Keane is, however, not a player that excites fans like a Jules Kounde or say a William Saliba.

His role would be well defined, though. He would come in to provide an alternative to Rob Holding, he would add depth and know-how and even help Saliba acclimatise to the Premier League should we see the Frenchman next season and no loan materialise.

Additionally, Keane would provide a homegrown option to Mikel Arteta’s side, increasing his utility to the squad. Will Keane elevate Arsenal and raise them to the level required to challenge for the top four? Certainly not.

Although his quality is quite limited, he would provide much-needed leadership to a fairly young Arsenal backline. It’d be a signing that would help Saliba, not replace him.

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.

1. Ben Godfrey – Everton

Ben Godfrey and White are two peas in a pod; both are 23, homegrown and exciting defenders; both are important starters for their clubs and have the potential to grow into full England internationals; both could very well serve as the defensive foundation for this Arsenal team. Most importantly, both are named Ben.

Arteta would be remiss to overlook Godfrey. Having a top choice transfer target is acceptable but the executives at the club should also be willing to test the waters with other players. Godfrey would be an excellent addition to the team, epitomizing the modern center back. He’s young, quick and athletic and possesses enough technical knowledge of the game to slot into left-back, right-back or defensive midfield.

Beyond the on-field qualities, Godfrey fits the homegrown quota and could cost less than White. Transfermarkt values the player at £27.5m, a metric that doesn’t give a fair indication since the Toffees paid £25m just 12 months ago and he is under contract until 2025. However, while Everton will hold out, they’re unlikely to charge the £55m White may end up costing. Some money saved?

White’s transfer does look increasingly more likely by the day. Nonetheless £50m is an incredible sum of money for any player, let alone another central defender. Arteta and co. would do well to find alternatives to White that will not hinder Saliba’s development.

The Arsenal hierarchy do not have the trust of fans to make the right decisions. Yet all the fans can do at this point is hope. And hope they will.