Ben White transfer: £40m Arsenal bid rejected - and what happens next

Arsenal have had a bid rejected for Brighton and England defender Ben White

The Gunners have made the England international a key transfer target this summer, but a reported £40million offer has been turned down by the Seagulls.

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At a glance: 5 key points

- White has had an excellent season at Brighton, making 39 appearances in all competitions

- The 23-year-old is currently on international duty with England, having been called into their Euro 2020 squad as a late replacement for Trent Alexander-Arnold, meaning completing a deal will remain tricky

- Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta is being backed to rebuild his squad, after they finished eighth and missed out on European football last term

- Arsenal defender David Luiz is out of contract and set to leave the club

- Leeds United tried to sign White last summer for £20million after he impressed on loan at Elland Road

What’s been said?

"This season and the previous season have been really tough financially. We have lost over £50million purely because of Covid over the two seasons. That money is never coming back.

"So, we have to be as prudent as we can in the coming seasons and try and be as competitive as we can.”

Brighton chairman Tony Bloom

What happens next?

Arsenal will have to push their bid out to around £50million if Brighton are to be tempted into selling their prize asset.

White’s valuation has soared since his England call-up, and while Bloom has admitted the Seagulls need to be ‘prudent’ they know there is a premium on English players in today’s market.

Manchester United are also watching White’s situation. They are admirers of the 23-year-old and could make a counter offer. This one is likely to run and run over the summer.