Arsenal have signed Ben White from Brighton and Hove Albion on a long-term contract, the club announced on their website on Friday.

The 23-year-old defender joins the Premier League side after spending the summer with the Three Lions of England at the Euro 2020.

He had spent the 2019/2020 season on loan with Championship-winning side, Leeds United, who are now promoted to the Premier League.

Speaking about the player, Arsenal’s Technical Director Edu said, “Ben has been a key target this summer. He has so many qualities which make us so excited he’s joining us. Ben’s a young English player with a great future. He’s very strong defensively, good on the ball with a great passing range. We’re delighted Ben’s signed and we look forward to him growing with us.”

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Manager Mikel Arteta said, “Ben was a top target for us and it’s great that we’ve completed his signing. Ben has been educated with two very good clubs, Brighton and Leeds, in recent seasons. He has benefitted well from two very good coaching set-ups and has shown with both Brighton and on loan with Leeds what a strong talent he is.

“Ben is an intelligent defender who is very comfortable with the ball at his feet and his style fits perfectly with us. And of course, he is still young, so his age and profile fit with what we are building here. We are all looking forward to Ben being central to our future long-term plans.”

The defender has been handed the No. four shirt and will be part of the Arsenal squad to face Chelsea in The Mind Series friendly match at the Emirates Stadium this Sunday.