Arsenal appeared to be turning up the heat in their pursuit of Ben White this afternoon.

The Gunners were reported to be closing on a £50 million deal to take the England defender to North London.

But The Argus have now been advised by a well-placed source that such reports are “simply not true”.

Albion’s stance throughout has been they have no need or wish to sell key players.

White was definitely watched by a number of clubs late last season and it is understood Albion believe that interest to still out there.

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But they have not pursued any of those lines of interest.

A summer sale can by no means be ruled out - and might be viewed as probable.

But it is understood Albion's preference would be to bide their time and see what happens over coming weeks as the transfer window develops.