Defender Ben White recently signed for Arsenal in a deal involving a transfer fee of £50m, which is the third most expensive fee paid in the history of the English club. White has proved to be one of the Premier League’s finest young prospects, with many hailing his composure and intelligence. However, a deal involving such a humongous transfer fee would well have proved impossible to believe for even the most optimistic Gooners. The club has generally indicated a cautious approach in the past, with a focus on going for economical additions barring the rare big-money signing.

However, a tweet by Fabrizio Romano confirming Arsenal’s interest in signing the Brighton defender set the stage on fire, with intense discussions on the exciting signing.

“It was surprising initially to be honest because we are generally not a club expected to spurge out a big sum for a player. Especially with the financial crunch and the fact that there were no such indications prior that we need or want a central defender,” says Ankur, a fan since the last 12 years.

The discussion further invited more interesting reactions from other supporters.

“50 million was a massive over-utilisation of resources required in other areas. However, I soon realised the importance of a David Luiz replacement, as well as the inexperience of William Saliba. White is young and homegrown, had a stellar couple of seasons. This should mean we can potentially recoup his value in the future,” says Madhav a supporter since the last 10 years.

Deepak, a Gooner from Bangalore shared similar sentiments as those expressed by Madhav.

“I was shocked as the priorities were other positions. However, Luiz’s departure and being left with only Rob Holding, Pablo Marí and Gabriel certainly made the importance apparent soon enough.”

“There was a genuine doubt that the report could be a rumour. However, the necessity to invest in a central defender was pretty clear,” states Vinay.

However, Pratik Bhattacharya, a fan from Kolkata did not look at the potential signing favourably.

“I wasn’t completely happy. Ben White is a top ball-playing defender but the CM, CAM and RB role definitely need more attention. There were other areas on the pitch that needed more focus,” he reacts.

However, what they were certainly united about is the fact that White presented a quality addition to an emerging Arsenal setup.

“The defender’s ability to build-up play from the back is certainly impressive. White can adapt to the style of play that Mikel Arteta is attempting to encourage. The English footballer was definitely excellent alongside Lewis Dunk last season,” read the overall consensus.

Discussions between the two clubs took their own sweet time, with White later admitting that the deal took “longer than he thought it would.”

“Ben White can overshadow Harry Maguire”

There is a wave of optimism surrounding the signing, with some believing that he could well go on to overshadow Manchester United defender Harry Maguire.

“It’s a bit too early to judge, but hope he does (overshadow Maguire). Also, who would not fancy overshadowing a Manchester United player? He can fit both in the back 3 and back 4 role. So White suits quite well with either Mari or Gabriel. I would rate the signing an 8 out of 10, which can increase to 9 in case of fine performances. The transfer sum makes sense considering the fact that he is a homegrown player with potential,” says Ankur.

“White has the advantage over Maguire being a ball-playing defender. He is the ideal replacement for Luiz, and the price seems fair considering the premium on young homegrown talent. Would rate the deal a 7 out of 10,” believes Madhav.

“The new recruit has all the potential to overshadow Maguire. White can control the backline and play out beautifully from the back. The price seems fair considering he is a local player, but a lack of investment in the right-back and central midfield role due to the sum splurged will certainly result in a sour taste. Will give it an 8, as long as other positions enjoy a fair investment,” states Deepak.

“Defenders are a rare commodity and White is a top one, so well worth the money. The defender can give Maguire a good fight. White is more of a right-sided defender which means he is likely to be paired with Mari. will attempt to deploy him in a role similar to that of John Stones, who is a ball-playing defender himself. Would give it an 8 out of 10, as he and Tierney could be real leaders at the back,” enthuses Vinay.

“White is the perfect player for a manager like Arteta considering the fact that he is comfortable with the ball at his feet and quite promising as well. Time will tell if he can overshadow Maguire. 50 million seems a bit too much at this juncture. I would give it a 7 on 10 at present. Quality investments in other positions could bump it up to a 9.5,” concludes Pratik.