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England international Ben White seems to be nearing a move to Arsenal after a £50million bid was launched on Thursday. Such a transfer fee is a serious investment for a side without the luxury of European football next season, so a squad re-shuffle could well be on the cards at the Emirates.
The Gunners had an initial £40m bid rejected by Brighton earlier in the window, but the extent of their admiration for White prompted them to come back in with an improved offer.
The 23-year-old was a late replacement in England’s squad for Euro 2020 after Trent Alexander-Arnold withdrew through injury.
The centre-back impressed in England’s warm-up games, as well as during the Premier League season with Brighton where he showed his versatility by regularly popping up in midfield.
Nevertheless, a player who would virtually be a guaranteed starter in north London will likely encourage Arteta to reflect on his current crop.
Here are four players who could fall victim to the £50m move this summer:
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Emile Smith-Rowe
Although White does not pose a threat to Smith-Rowe’s spot in the Arsenal side, Arsenal may be forced to sell the midfielder in order to balance the books.
Affectionately known as the ‘Croydon De Bruyne’, the 20-year-old became a regular fixture in the Gunners’ attack towards the back end of last season.
However, a £50m investment surely cannot be made without sacrificing a current squad member to make ends meet.
With Aston Villa submitting a rejected £25m-bid earlier this summer, the writing could be on the wall for Smith-Rowe and his time at the Emirates if their interest persists.
After all, Arteta’s side may be able to scoop a tasty transfer sum if Jack Grealish’s reported £100m transfer to Manchester City goes through.
Calum Chambers
The three-cap Englishman joined Arsenal as a youngster from Southampton, but his 10 Premier League appearances last term highlight his general inability to nail down a starting spot for the Gunners.
The versatile defender has spent two separate seasons out on loan since signing for Arsenal, firstly at Middlesbrough and then Fulham in 2018/19.
Now 26, another loan would presumably be less preferable than a permanent transfer as regular game time becomes a priority.
With Ben White on his way into the centre-back ranks, Chambers could either see his minutes suffer or look to move elsewhere.
Pablo Mari
Spanish centre-back Pablo Mari could be another casualty of White’s arrival at the club, unless he is happy to slip further down the pecking order in north London.
The 27-year-old has only made 12 appearances for the Gunners since moving to the club around 18 months ago.
Having been a regular starter in only a small handful of seasons in his career, Mari may look to move on as he enters his prime years.
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