Noel Whelan insists that Ben White will choose to go to Chelsea if the Blues become serious about their interest in his signature.
The Englishman is the subject of transfer interest from Arsenal who have reportedly been negotiating his transfer with Brighton.
After losing David Luiz this summer, the Gunners are looking to sign White as a quality long-term leader of their defence.
Football Insider reported earlier that Arsenal is confident about completing the move for the former Leeds United loanee after Euro 2020.
But Duncan Castles, speaking on The Transfer Window podcast said Chelsea has become interested in a move for him.
The Blues have just won the Champions League and look well placed to challenge for the Premier League title next season.
Arsenal, on the other hand, finished outside the European places last season and would look to have a better-placed finish next season.
Former Leeds striker, Whelan is convinced that White will choose to move to Stamford Bridge if he had the chance.
He told Football Insider: “If you give Ben White the option of Arsenal or Chelsea right now, he is going to choose Chelsea because they are playing Champions League football.
“They are the Champions League winners and a club going from strength to strength under Thomas Tuchel. The squad is superior and they are in the Champions League. Right now, Chelsea are ahead in every aspect.
“As a player you have to look at where you would be more successful. Chelsea are one of the top clubs in Europe right now so given the choice, I’m sure White would rather go to Chelsea.”
He would definitely get more playing time at Arsenal, and probably higher wages as well.
It really would come down to the ambition of White himself.
1. Sit on Chelsea’s bench, occasionally play, good chance of title chase and CL run. However, he would be a side piece and not key piece in their trophy chases.
2. Start at Arsenal, manager still learning the job, only domestic football, and coin flip chance of playing any European games next year.
I hope we don’t waste the Summer chasing him and losing out on midfield targets that are more important.
Sure we have signed a CM, but he’s a backup and not close to solving our present midfield problems.
We could have signed Sanches or Bissouma by now for less than £50 million.
Perhaps even Locatelli with a bid still under £50 million (if the player isn’t set on Juventus).
Not sure how White solves the midfield woes or dead fish attack we have. But hey, trust the process.
Just ignore Bissouma’s tackling, interceptions, and engine; White playing out from the back Arteta deems a priority and more important.
This is the guy who sold Mertinez when even common fans knew he was better than Leno, now he wants to sell Leno. Wonders
Look at leicester bruh.. They bought Soumare for 17 m the same amount we would assumingly pay for lokonga! That says it all!
Why should we trust the process? I don’t even believe that there is a process to begin with.. Arteta is riding his luck
He is hot needed, at least not for 50m..overrated
There is a garage sale at Barca right now. Why not try to get some players from there? There might be a chance to get Coutinho on cheap. The guy just lacks confident.. Put him on a team where he is the best player and he will thrive.