How Rafa Benitez could stop Newcastle signing reported target William Saliba from Arsenal – opinion

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Rafa Benitez has only been back in the Premier League a few days, but already he could impact a possible signing at Newcastle.

That’s because he reportedly wants Everton to rival Arsenal for the signature of Ben White.

The centre-back is currently involved with England at the Euros, but has been heavily linked with a transfer.

The Athletic claimed last month that he was set to complete a £50million move to Arsenal from Brighton.

However, that deal is yet to be completed.

Now there is another club interested – Everton.

That’s according to the Sun, who believe the Toffees have informed Brighton that they are willing to pay £50million for White.

They report that Benitez has identified White as his number one defensive target, with Everton acting quickly in an attempt to gazump Arsenal.

But what has all of this got to do with Newcastle United?

Could Saliba signing be off if Rafa Benitez signs White?

While some people may argue that Toon fans are obsessed with Rafa, the Spaniard’s reported move for White could have repercussions in the north east.

It has been reported multiple times that Newcastle Untied are interested in signing William Saliba on loan from Arsenal.

The centre-back is yet to make his Gunners debut after arriving in 2019 for £27million.

Saliba has been on loan at St Etienne and Nice, and another temporary spell away from the Emirates could be on the cards.

According to the Athletic, White’s move to Arsenal could open the door for Saliba to leave on loan.

But if White joins Everton instead of Arsenal, then perhaps Mikel Arteta will be reluctant to let Saliba depart.

That would be a blow for Newcastle, with Steve Bruce desperately looking to sign a centre-back this summer.

However, there seems to be a bigger threat to Newcastle’s Saliba move. According to the Athletic, the defender wants to join Marseille.

They claim Saliba is set to join the Ligue 1 side. This comes more than a week after the same reporter stated White’s move to Arsenal was not far off…