Sol Campbell has discussed Arsenal’s £50m move for Ben White and believes his former side should be ‘busting a gut’ to sign Real Madrid defender Raphael Varane.
White is set to undergo a medical with Arsenal this week ahead of a big-money move from Brighton, with the north London side having seen two bids rejected for the 23-year-old before agreeing terms with the Seagulls.
The move marks a rapid rise for the centre-back who has just one season of Premier League experience, though his impressive performances saw White named in the England squad for Euro 2020.
However, Campbell has questioned whether the Brighton defender is ready to make an immediate impact and believes the Gunners should have rivalled Manchester United in the race to sign Varane – in addition to bringing in White.
“I’d be busting a gut to bring in Varane,” he told talkSPORT.
“When you look at it, there would be an instant impact. Look at what he’s won in the game, the experience he brings to the game.
“He’s a winner and he could teach his teammates around him. That’s what you want.
“He’s young enough, he’s in his best years. He’s had a wonderful career at Real Madrid… but hey, bring him in!
“I don’t know much about Ben White, but he got into the England squad for the Euros.
“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 Varane – you bring both of them in!”
Campbell believes there will be pressure on White to ‘hit the ground running’ following the huge transfer fee, admitting his former club are not in a position to make £50m mistakes in the market.
“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,” he added.
“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.”
Campbell believes that White will be given time to prove his worth to the club however, admitting the player’s age and experience means he is one for the future at the Emirates.
“He’s played 36 games for Brighton. Is it one for the future? He’s 23-years-old, definitely one for the future,” Campbell added.
“I don’t think you can know too much about someone. In the sense that age wise, you know.
“It’s a difficult one, it’s a lot of money but in the years ahead, they see a future. They see someone who can come in and play midfielder, full-back.”
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