Shaun Wright-Phillips has told talkSPORT that Arsenal new boy, Ben White, will outperform Manchester United’s new recruit, Raphaël Varane ahead of the new season.
It has been suggested by the Athletic that Manchester United have paid £35 million for Varane’s signature, whilst Arsenal splashed the cash and put £50 million on the table for White from Brighton.
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7 Most Expensive Summer Signings 7 Years Ago: Where Are They Now?
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Varane had one year left on his Real Madrid contract, so the much lesser fee is understandable, but Arsenal signing White for what seems to be an inflated price is something that will be talked about throughout the campaign.
But former Premier League winner, Wright-Phillips, shared why he thinks White will outperform the World-Cup winning Frenchman next season.
“One thing I thought Arsenal missed was a defender like him,” said Wright-Phillips. “He has old school mentality. But he can play football as well.
On whether he would do better than Varane: “Yes, I personally do. I know it’s a big statement. But he’s used to the Premier League. He’s used to defending week in and week out for Brighton.
“Varane has come into a whole new league and he’s going to be put under immense pressure. I would definitely say Ben White (on he would sign between the two).”
In terms of difficulty, White is perhaps going to swim in the more difficult environment because of Arsenal’s current situation.
Varane will be joining a side that feels it’s the closest it has been to winning a Premier League title after producing strong defensive performances last season and finishing runners-up.
Meanwhile, in North London, Mikel Arteta saw the Gunners finish outside of Europe for the first time in 25 years, with a team full of defensive errors from top to bottom.
Either way, the price tag both teams have paid for their players is something supporters will hear a lot about as the season progresses.
In other news, ‘Worrying’: Gary Lineker concerned by what’s happening to reported £70m Liverpool target