Ben White Weighs Future Amid Everton Interest and Injury Setback
Everton is pursuing Ben White this summer, but the 28-year-old defender has indicated he will reject a transfer to the Hill Dickinson Stadium if Mikel Arteta assures him of his importance at Arsenal. Former Manchester United chief scout Mick Brown shared with Football Insider that White’s decision hinges on a guarantee of playing time from Arteta, rather than a desire for financial gain or a new beginning elsewhere.
Brown emphasized that White seeks clarity on whether he will remain a crucial starter or transition to a rotational role behind Jurrien Timber. This season, White has made 30 appearances, starting 23 times and amassing 1,880 minutes—a notable tally for a squad player, but potentially frustrating for a defender of his caliber.
White joined Arsenal from Brighton in 2021 for approximately £50 million, quickly proving his versatility across both right-back and centre-back positions, areas that Everton urgently needs to strengthen. His consistency and tactical discipline have made him an integral part of the Arsenal lineup for years. However, a serious medial knee ligament injury, confirmed after Sunday’s victory over West Ham, has sidelined White for the remainder of the season, complicating his summer options.
“It’s a difficult one with Ben White. If Arsenal wins the Premier League title, as I believe they will, and the Champions League as well, why would he want to leave being a part of that squad?
The only possible reason is if he feels he won’t get much playing time. He has been back in the lineup recently when Timber was injured, but when Timber returns, will he revert to being a rotation option?”
That’s something he will have to discuss with Mikel Arteta to seek some assurances, as Arsenal will need a large squad. If he is going to be part of that squad, I find it hard to imagine him leaving.
But if he’s going to be playing a minor role there and wants to move on, Everton would be a fitting destination for him, and he would integrate well.”
Would Everton actually benefit from signing a player returning from a knee injury?