Ben White praised for response to Arsenal nightmare debut as he justifies £50million price tag

Arsenal legend Alan Smith has been praising Ben White for his performances since arriving in north London, stating that the 24-year-old responded well to a tricky start.

Acquired for a fee believed to be in the region of £50 million, White came to the Emirates with a hefty price tag placed on his shoulders, with many expecting him to raise the level at the heart of the club's backline.

But life in an Arsenal shirt didn't start the way he would have envisaged, following a difficult outing at Brentford on debut, where he came up short against Ivan Toney in the 1v1 battle on the night.

His response, however, has been superb, with Smith stating that his former club would have no issues getting their money back if they did decide to sell, hypothetically speaking.

"Yeah. When you think about his debut at Brentford when Ivan Toney rampaged all over him, he got a little embarrassed but picked himself up. Good character," he said.

"I think it was a coup to get him. A lot of people were saying, '£50m for Ben White?' but you would get your money back now, I think easily.

"The understanding he has built with Gabriel has been good. He'll get better, and that character side of him is something that would appeal to Arteta, so even if Saliba comes back - Ben White is in the box seat.

"He has got himself into England reckoning as well, so he is a young player that will get better."

With William Saliba fully expected to be integrated into the squad for next season, Arsenal have three excellent options at their disposal.

Gabriel Magalhaes, White and Saliba are all defenders who play on the front foot, comfortable in operating in a high line which is an absolute must in a Mikel Arteta system.