Arsenal manager Nigel Winterburn admits £50m would be a lot to spend on Ben White.

The Brighton centre-back has become Arsenal's primary defensive target this summer.

After an excellent loan spell with Leeds United across the 2019/20 season, White showed he could perform at Premier League level with another excellent campaign at Albion.

White made 39 appearances across all competitions for the south coast club.

According to the Transfer Window Podcast, the Gunners have made a third-bid for White after failing with their two previous offers.

White using his physicality against Chelsea's Christian Pulisic

The newest bid is reportedly worth £48m upfront plus another £6m in performance-related add-ons.

Winterburn believes the amount would be excessive for White. Nonetheless, the Gunners legend, who spent 13 seasons in north London, says his former club should back Mikel Arteta and make the signing if he believes White can "take them to the next level".

Speaking to TribalFootball.com, on behalf of NetBet, Winterburn said: "Last season I wasn't sure about Arsenal's best combination in the central defence and I did think Arsenal would go for one in this market.

"50 million is a lot of money and we have a lot of centre backs already whose record last season wasn't actually too bad.

"Mikel Arteta had to give them protection which affected our attacking play, so I'm not surprised we're in the market.

White training with England at Euro 2020

"Ben White is a player coming through, he's at a good age, but it is a lot of money for a defender.

"If Arsenal believe that he's the player to take them to the next level then absolutely they should pursue him.

"I can't really argue the point that he would be an improvement on what we've already got.

"From what I've seen he's a very talented player and if Arteta wants him then let's make sure we get the transfer done."