Former Chelsea and Manchester City winger Shaun Wright-Phillips says he believes that Ben White is a better signing than Raphael Varane.
White completed his move from Brighton & Hove Albion to Arsenal last month.
The centre-back cost the Gunners a fee of £50 million. He highly impressed in his debut Premier League season with Graham Potter’s side, having also performed strongly for Leeds in the Championship in the previous season.
Varane, meanwhile, is set to join Manchester United for a fee believed to be around £41m including add-ons.
The French World Cup winner completed his medical earlier this week after serving a period of quarantine.
Varane reportedly signed his contract with the club last night. He is set to be announced shortly, according to journalist Fabrizio Romano.
With both Arsenal and United targeting improvements in the centre-back position prior to the window, the deals for White and Varane are strong pieces of business.
White could make his debut for the Gunners tonight when they open their Premier League campaign against newly-promoted Brentford.
Wright-Phillips praises White signing
Wright-Phillips heaped praise on the new Arsenal addition – and believes he is a better signing than Varane.
Speaking to talkSPORT, he explained: “One thing I thought Arsenal missed was a defender like him.
“He’s got an old-school mentality but he can play football as well.”
Asked whether he believes White will do better in the top flight than Varane, he replied: “Yes, I personally do.
“I know it’s a big statement, but he is used to the Premier League and he is used to the Premier League and he is used to defending a lot for Brighton, week in, week out.
“Varane has come into a whole new league and he is going to be put under immense pressure.”
On the topic of which of the two centre-backs he would sign, Wright-Phillips said: “At this moment, I would definitely say Ben White.”
Arsenal’s opening day clash against Brentford kicks off tonight at 8pm at the Brentford Community Stadium.
United, meanwhile, are in action against Leeds United at Old Trafford on Sunday, in one of the weekend’s most eye-catching encounters.
Featured Image Credit: Getty
