Arsenal have tabled a £40 million bid for Brighton & Hove Albion centre-back Ben White.

However, the Seagulls have knocked back the offer, according to Sky Sports reporter Dharmesh Sheth.

Brighton reject £40m bid from Arsenal for Ben White. Talks ongoing. Arsenal expected to go back in. #AFC #BHAFC

— Dharmesh Sheth (@skysports_sheth) June 16, 2021

Both clubs are continuing talks, and the Gunners are expected to return with an improved bid.

This could deal a huge blow on Leeds United’s chances of signing the England international.

According to Sunday Times journalist Duncan Castles, the Elland Road outfit want to bring White back to Yorkshire this summer, but Brighton’s demands could frustrate them.

Arsenal, Leeds United, Leicester City all interested in Ben White.

Brighton and Hove Albion value the England defender at over £50million. https://t.co/TGJkelM342 pic.twitter.com/H93NWDAga4

— Duncan Castles (@DuncanCastles) June 11, 2021

Leeds moved on after their attempts and bids for the 23-year-old were rejected last summer, and it would take more than £50m for suitors to land him, according to talkSPORT’s Alex Crook.

No surprise #BHAFC have knocked back #AFC bid for Ben White. Told the Seagulls want more than £50m for the #ENG centre-back

— Alex Crook ⚽️