Arsenal could still sell a key defender this summer depending on one factor

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Arsenal’s decision on one of their defenders this summer could ultimately come down to a factor outside their control.

Riccardo Calafiori has been circled by Real Madrid this summer after Jose Mourinho personally requested the club approach to sign the Italian.

However, following Los Blancos’ £52million signing of Marc Cucurella, the pursuit of Calafiori appears to have ended.

Meanwhile, Ben White has also been at the centre of speculation regarding a possible departure from north London this summer.

What is an appropriate price for Arsenal to sell Ben White for?

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The 28-year-old has two years remaining on his contract, with the Gunners holding the option to extend for a further year.

Ben White could yet leave Arsenal but his exit hinges on one key factor

According to Sky Sports, any decision on White’s future could be heavily influenced by the severity of Jurrien Timber’s groin injury, which forced the Dutchman to withdraw from the Netherlands’ World Cup squad.

Arsenal insider James McNicholas recently suggested there were no imminent developments on White’s future, but the whole picture is quite complex.

Reports indicate William Saliba could undergo surgery after his World Cup campaign with France, which would rule him out for the start of next season.

That would require Cristhian Mosquera to step in at centre-back, leaving little to no cover at right-back in the absence of Timber.

If Timber’s recovery takes longer than hoped, Mikel Arteta may have to keep White as experienced cover at the back, regardless of any outside interest.

Everton have already ruled themselves out due to the cost involved, but other suitors could still emerge if Arsenal’s defensive situation clears up by the time the World Cup concludes.

White has been an outstanding servant since joining from Brighton in 2021, making 190 appearances for the club.

He played an important role in Arsenal’s title run-in before a knee injury denied him the chance to feature in the Champions League final.

With Arsenal also monitoring Crystal Palace’s Maxence Lacroix and exploring options at right-back, a lot can change between now and the end of the window regarding the defence.