Crystal Palace winger Andros Townsend isn't surprised by Arsenal's move for Brighton defender Ben White.
The 29-year-old highlighted the Brighton man's ability to play the ball out from the back with ease, suggesting that he could thrive at the north London club as they eye a return to the Premier League's upper reaches.
"Even before he played for England, I knew Ben White was a top player," Townsend told talkSPORT.
"I'm surprised he wasn't in the original England squad because I think he's the perfect player that Gareth [Southgate] wants. He's calm and composed on the ball, he can play out from the back.
"When we played Brighton I was tasked with marking him, trying to close him down, press high up the pitch and get close to him, but I couldn't get near him.
"He's so composed on the ball, I was putting my best work in, trying to get close and put him under pressure, but before I could get to him he'd popped it off and they were out.
"If this deal goes over the line, I know Arsenal are getting a top player. Maybe not as a leader, no, but I know the way Mikel Arteta likes to play.
"And Ben White, maybe not vocally but definitely technically, he'd fit in perfectly with the way they want to build up from the back."
