Tony Cascarino: Ben White has the Marcelo Bielsa seal of approval
Tony Cascarino claims that because Marcelo Bielsa wanted Ben White at Leeds United, he’s going to be a good signing for Arsenal.
White, the former Leeds loanee, recently completed a move to Arsenal from Brighton for a fee believed to be in the region of £50million. [The Athletic]
After securing promotion from the Championship in 2019/20, Bielsa wanted to sign the English defender permanently, but Brighton held firm and sold him for an even higher fee a year later.
While some may think that he’s not good enough for Arsenal, Cascarino believes he’s got the Bielsa seal of approval.
He said on talkSPORT, “If Bielsa wants him, he’s a good player. [Leeds] were desperate for him. Brighton were offered a huge amount of money and couldn’t get it over the line, £30million plus.
“I think you’ve signed a very competent and consistent player. You needed someone like that. Really consistent player.”
Spot on
White’s one year at Elland Road was beneficial in taking his game to the next level and one of the main reasons why he was picked in Gareth Southgate’s Euro 2020 squad.
We knew we had a real talent on our hands when he played for us loan, but unfortunately so did Brighton, and were wise enough to have the foresight to know he would go for such a high fee in the future.
Arsenal have done their groundwork and have then gone for the defender, so those suggesting that it’s not a good move don’t really make a valid claim.
He might be slightly overpriced, but English and especially homegrown players tend to cost slightly more than others would as the Premier League makes it compulsory to register other such players in the squad at the start of the season.
However, in terms of quality, he’s a solid defender who will kick on to become one of the league’s best.
While we would’ve loved to have him at Elland Road, we’re delighted with the players we have and hopefully we can finish ahead of White’s side next season.
In other Leeds United news, Player left out of matchday squad today, Leeds ready to pay £5m for him – report