Arsenal 'in advanced talks for Brighton & Hove Albion's Ben White'

Arsenal have reportedly entered advanced discussions with Brighton & Hove Albion over a deal for defender Ben White.

The Gunners are believed to have come back with a £45m bid for the former Leeds United loanee after an opening offer of £40m was swiftly knocked back by Brighton.

With David Luiz, Sokratis and Shkodran Mustafi all leaving the club in the last 12 months - as well as Dinos Mavropanos rejoining Stuttgart for another season on loan - Arsenal are expected to bolster their defensive ranks this summer.

Now, Sky Sports News reports Arsenal have made progress in talks with Brighton over a deal for White, and the Gunners could end up forking out over £50m to secure his services.

The report adds that personal terms are not expected to present any roadblocks, and there is optimism from all sides that White will be an Arsenal player for the 2021-22 season.

The 23-year-old started 36 games under Graham Potter last term and is currently preparing for the knockout stages of Euro 2020 with the England squad.