Everton's hopes of securing a transfer move for defender Ben White this January are likely to be dashed, as Arsenal is set to block the player’s exit. Despite his recent struggles with injury and competition within the team, Arsenal remains committed to retaining their £50m signing.
White has been an integral part of Mikel Arteta’s starting XI since his £50million move from Brighton in July 2021. He made 134 appearances in his first three years with the Gunners, cementing his place as a trusted member of the team. However, after missing a total of 27 games due to injury last season, White has seen a drop in his standing within the squad. Jurrien Timber has seized this opportunity and solidified his position at right-back.
Despite these challenges, White continues to provide strong cover at the heart of Arteta’s defence. However, he faces stiff competition from William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhaes – considered one of Europe's finest centre-back partnerships – who are deemed undroppable when fit. New arrivals Cristhian Mosquera and Piero Hincapie have also started their tenure at Arsenal impressively further complicating White’s pathway to regular first-team minutes.
Everton eyeing move for Ben White
Recent reports suggested that Everton had been alerted to this situation and were considering making a move for White. With Jarrad Branthwaite and Seamus Coleman currently sidelined through injury, they saw an opportunity in acquiring him as a solution for their right-back issue.
The Toffees were reportedly ready to act should a deal become available for White. However, according to football.london sources, it seems that they will have no such luck this season. Arsenal has expressed 'zero interest' in sanctioning White’s departure midway through the season. This decision means Everton will have to shift their focus to other targets, such as Genoa’s Brooke Norton-Cuffy and Sevilla’s Juanlu Sanchez.
As the current Premier League leaders, Arsenal is determined not to lose any momentum in the second half of the campaign. Weakening or destabilising their squad by losing a player like White is simply ‘not an option’.
Future prospects for Ben White
Despite his limited playing time this season, it's claimed that White remains a 'focal part' of Mikel Arteta’s plans. There is every possibility that his playing time could increase with games coming thick and fast.
Arsenal's hierarchy will reassess White's future with Arteta at the end of the season. Given that he has not regressed since arriving at Emirates four-and-a-half years ago, Arsenal would be reluctant to let him go for significantly less than £50m they paid for him. White's current contract runs through June 2028 and includes an option for a 12-month extension. Despite making only 13 appearances in all competitions this season – four of which were in Premier League – he was handed a rare start as Gunners came from behind against Portsmouth securing their place in fourth round of FA Cup.
While Everton may be disappointed by Arsenal's decision on Ben White, it underscores how valuable he remains within Arteta's plans despite recent challenges. As we move into second half of season, fans will watch closely whether this faith translates into more game time and impact performances from English defender.
