Graham Potter has heaped praise on Ben White, who recently completed a switch from Brighton to Arsenal for £50m, insisting he fully deserved his transfer after a phenomenal rise
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Graham Potter has hailed Ben White following his move to Arsenal insisting he “can’t replace a £50m player”.
The centre-half sealed a big-money switch from Brighton to the Gunners this week following several impressive years.
White thrust himself into the spotlight after starring for Leeds in their promotion campaign two years ago.
That attracted the attention of England’s elite, but Brighton were able to retain his services for another year before eventually cashing in.
Seagulls boss Graham Potter insists the huge windfall will benefit the club but hailed White for his efforts recently.
He said: “We have enough competition in that area. You can’t replace a £50m player, you have to be creative in the solutions. But we’re in a good place – really pleased for Ben.
“When the fee is the level it is, it’s a fantastic opportunity for us to develop the club and keep growing as a team.”
“He’s been fantastic – his journey as a footballer. From the academy with us to Newport, then Peterborough, then Leeds was fantastic for him.
“Then a year in the Premier League and to get a move to Arsenal with the fee is a great achievement for him and the club.”
White will join an Arsenal side who endured a disappointing campaign last time out.
Mikel Arteta though is continuing to reshape his squad at the Emirates and was seeking a centre-half to play alongside Gabriel.
The 23-year-old, who was part of England’s Euro 2020 squad, has shown himself more than capable of playing out from the back – something that was key for Arsenal.
Arteta said: “Ben was a top target for us and it’s great that we’ve completed his signing. Ben has been educated with two very good clubs, Brighton and Leeds, in recent seasons.
“He has benefitted well from two very good coaching set-ups and has shown with both Brighton and on loan with Leeds what a strong talent he is.
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“Ben is an intelligent defender who is very comfortable with the ball at his feet and his style fits perfectly with us.
“And of course, he is still young, so his age and profile fits with what we are building here. We are all looking forward to Ben being central to our future long-term plans.”
White made his debut for the Gunners in a pre-season defeat against Chelsea at the Emirates.
His switch to the Emirates means he is now the fifth most expensive English player in history.
