Arsenal legend Campbell questions £50m signing of White

As Ben White nears a big-money move to Arsenal, Sol Campbell has questioned the club’s decision to spend so much on one defender.

Sol Campbell feels Ben White must prove his money’s worth right from the start as Arsenal are not in a position to pay £50 million for him.

The Gunners agreed on the fee with Brighton last week to bring an end to the long-running saga. According to Sky Sports, White could take a medical on Wednesday and be confirmed later in the week.

But with only one season of Premier League football under his belt, White is somewhat of a gamble – especially at £50m. The 23-year-old does, though, offer cover in central defense and as a full-back. He has also proved to be a reliable performer for Leeds in the Championship and at Brighton last term.

But Campbell, who won two Premier League titles at Arsenal, isn’t completely sold on the deal.

“It needs to work out because Arsenal are not in the position to shift out £50m for a player. He’ll definitely have to start,” Campbell told talkSPORT.

“If it does happen, and the medical is all good, he’ll have to hit the ground running. It’s a difficult one, it’s a lot of money.

“They’re looking at the years ahead and they see a future. He can play in midfield or as a full-back. At £50m, you’ve got to be the master of your position.”

The former Gunners defender feels adding a more experienced defender alongside White would be good such as Raphael Varane, who is set to swap Real Madrid for Manchester United this summer.

“Forget about the price tag it is all about experience and whether he is going to command,” continued Campbell.

“I obviously don’t know much about him, but he got into England’s Euros squad and is clearly a top player.

“For me hopefully it does work out, but if you want that instant success and you want to build a team, you bring in Ben White, but you also bring in someone like Raphael Varane – you bring both of them in!”