Ben White’s Arsenal future has been the subject of significant speculation this summer.
However, according to one well-placed source, an exit is not as certain as it seemed earlier in the summer.
Speaking on the Arsecast podcast, Arsenal insider James McNicholas was asked about the level of interest in the defender.
“If a buyer emerges at the level that makes it worthwhile for Arsenal — I think it’s pretty early days on that one,” he said.
“Everything I’ve sort of heard and spoken to people about, I don’t think there are any dramatic or imminent developments on Ben’s future.”
What is an appropriate price for Arsenal to sell Ben White for?
White had been expected to leave this summer after five years of outstanding service, but McNicholas’ update suggests that may not be the case.
Mikel Arteta has plenty of reason not to be in a rush to push him out the door. Jurrien Timber has already withdrawn from the Netherlands’ World Cup squad with a groin injury.
Also, William Saliba is facing the prospect of post-World Cup surgery that could rule him out for the start of next season.
So with defensive cover potentially stretched heading into the new campaign, keeping White until at least January would be sensible.
White was an important part of Arsenal’s title run-in, and had seemingly played his way back into Thomas Tuchel’s England plans before a knee injury in the final weeks of the season ruled him out.
That blow also kept him from being involved in the Champions League final. Who knows what difference his experience and quality might have made in Budapest.
History will be kind to Ben White regardless of what happens this summer
There was huge scepticism when Arsenal paid £50million for Ben White from Brighton in 2021. But those sceptics were quickly silenced.
Ian Wright has since spoken about the physical sacrifice White has made for Arsenal over the years, and the numbers back that up.
He has made 190 appearances for the club, with only Bukayo Saka, Gabriel Magalhaes, Gabriel Martinelli and Martin Odegaard having played more under Arteta. He has been an exemplary servant.
White’s contract runs until 2028, with an option to extend for a further year, giving Arsenal considerable leverage to demand a respectable fee when the time does come.
Fill the blanks, I would feel ______ if Tino Livramento replaced Ben White at Arsenal
Tino Livramento remains a potential replacement, though concerns over his injury record and Newcastle’s asking price persist.
Ivan Fresneda and Marco Palestra are also being monitored, and the Gunners are also keeping tabs on Crystal Palace centre-back Maxence Lacroix, should they need further defensive cover.
For now, though, White remains an Arsenal player, and given everything that is happening around him, that may well be the right outcome for all parties.
Receive a digest of our best Arsenal content each week direct to your mailbox
