Arsenal legend names 2 defenders Arteta could've signed instead of White

Arsenal legend Martin Keown has pinpointed two alternative signings Mikel Arteta could’ve made instead of £50 million new boy Ben White.

Martin Keown has suggested Jannik Vestergaard and Joachim Andersen could’ve been a better fit for Arsenal than Ben White.

White, who arrived at the Emirates this summer in a £50 million deal from Brighton, had a tough debut on Friday. Ivan Toney exposed the defender’s weakness in the air during their aerial duels. He also nearly opened up an opportunity for Bryan Mbeumo to double Brentford’s lead after Sergi Canos’ opener.

Another goal from Christian Norgaard condemned Arsenal to a 2-0 defeat in their Premier League opener, leaving White on the receiving end of some strong criticism.

Now Keown has highlighted how Vestergaard, who has just joined Leicester from Southampton for £15m, and Crystal Palace new boy Andersen could’ve been possibilities for his old club.

“What Arsenal need is people who can defend,” the former Gunners defender told Stadium Astro. “You look at it now and Vestergaard was available, and he’s on his way to Leicester. He’s 6ft 4 or 6ft 5 and I’m pretty certain he’d be dealing with those balls coming into the box so recruitment is all-important.

“There were other central defenders available. At £50m, he could still probably prove to be a good signing but you’ve got the likes of Andersen signing for Palace.

“So, you take your chances. Of course, the manager is part of that and you’re then hoping they are going to put the performances in and you need a central defender for all occasions, and tonight that showed a glaring weakness in Ben White’s game.

“But that can be worked on, you can improve that area, you can nudge the striker there are all sorts of things you can do to improve that but that needs to come from the manager the coaches to improve the players.”

Arsenal will face Chelsea next Sunday in their second game of the new Premier League season.