When Albion rejected several bids from Leeds for defender Ben White last summer after his impressive loan spell, some fans would have not predicted that he would go on to achieve so much in such a short space of time on the South Coast.

However, he has certainly made an impressive impact in what looks set to be his only season playing for the Seagulls in the Premier League.

White signed a new four-year deal last summer, then made the joint-most appearances for Albion last season in the league (36) along with midfielder Yves Bissouma.

His performances in those 36 appearances not only saw him named as Albion’s player of the season, but also saw him earn his first call-up for England as part of their 33-man provisional squad for the Euros.

He went onto win his first two caps in their wins over Austria and Romania in friendlies last month.

But after initially missing out on Gareth Southgate’s final 26-man squad, White was called up as a replacement for injured Liverpool full back Trent Alexander-Arnold.

White then spent a further four weeks with England on their road to the finals of Euro 2020 before losing on penalties to Italy at Wembley.

However, despite not playing for England in the Euros, the label of being an England international only helped to increase his value.

Throughout last season and the Euros there had been reports of interest in White from top Premier League clubs such as Arsenal and Manchester United.

But despite the speculation Albion always maintained that they would only sell their star men for the ‘right price’.

Arsenal have now met that ‘right price’ for White of £50 million, with the 23-year-old undergoing his medical with the Gunners yesterday and his move expected to be completed by the end of the week.

It shows how much difference a year makes for the Albion and White.

Last summer they were turning down several bids from Leeds with the highest being £30 million, to now looking set to sell him to Arsenal for £50 million.

Meaning the Seagulls have gained £20 million by waiting a year.

White has also benefitted hugely from Albion’s decision to keep hold of him last summer.

He has gone on to get a year of Premier League league experience under his belt, playing in all but two of Albion’s matches in the league.

White has also shown his versatility this season playing at right back and in midfield as well as at centre back.

He has also received his first senior call-up to the England squad, won his first two caps for his country and been a part of their squad at a major tournament.

So overall the year has worked out brilliantly for both Albion and White.

The big question for head coach Graham Potter now will be does he look from within to replace White? Or go out and buy a replacement?

Liverpool defender Nat Phillips is one of a few centre backs to have been linked with a move to the Seagulls in recent weeks.

However it is understood there is no great urgency in making a move for any target at this time.

The Argus has been told that the key for Potter and his staff is reviewing his current squad in training and in matches.

Potter certainly has options within the current squad to play as part of a back three in White’s place with Leo Ostigard, Shane Duffy, Joel Veltman and Dan Burn being among the players who will be battling it out to impress the manager and hopefully secure a place in the starting 11 in their upcoming 2021/22 Prem Campaign.

Albion continue their preparations for the new season on Saturday afternoon (3pm) when they travel to Kenilworth Road to face Championship side Luton Town.