Everton join Arsenal in race for Brighton centre-back Ben White
Everton are ready to pip Arsenal to the signing of Brighton centre-back Ben White, according to the Daily Mail.
The Toffees are yet to make a formal offer for the England international, but have indicated they are willing to part with £50million.
Everton want to pay £20million up front for the 23-year-old and spread the remaining £30million equally over the four years of their proposed four-year deal for him [Daily Mail].
Daily Mail claims while White prefers Arsenal, the speed with which Everton have moved for him since Rafa Benitez’s arrival has impressed him and he has not ruled out joining them.
Massive
Toffees owner Farhad Moshiri is ready to bring out the cheque book again, and that is not surprising.
He is ready to back Benitez in the summer transfer market, and potentially spending £50million on a centre-back is huge.
Everton are looking to break into the top-six, and such outlay comes with the territory.
White has been impressive since establishing himself as a permanent member of Brighton’s starting XI, and we believe he has the potential to become a world-class defender.
Despite the availability of Yerry Mina, Michael Keane and Mason Holgate, Benitez could do with an upgrade at the back, and White is one.
He was in fine form during his loan spell at Leeds United, helping Marcelo Bielsa’s side secure Premier League promotion at the end of 2019-20.
The Elland Road outfit were willing to sign him permanently but could not, and we could soon be landing one of the best youngsters in his position in the coming weeks.
In other Everton news, report details why Toffees snubbed Nuno hire and went in for Rafa Benitez.
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