In a surprising twist during the January transfer window, Arsenal may be on the verge of cashing in on their £50 million defender Ben White, with Everton emerging as a keen suitor. This development comes after Leeds United’s Jayden Bogle reportedly turned down interest from the Toffees, forcing them to pivot to the Gunners’ out-of-favor right-back.
Ben White, who joined Arsenal from Brighton in a high-profile £50m deal back in 2021, has endured a challenging season marked by inconsistent form and fitness issues. Once a staple in Mikel Arteta’s lineup, the 28-year-old has slipped down the pecking order at the Emirates Stadium. Dutch international Jurrien Timber has solidified his position as the first-choice right-back, leaving White with limited opportunities and fueling speculation about his future.
According to reports from Football Insider, Everton have now set their sights on White as they seek to address their longstanding problems at right-back. The Merseyside club has been without a reliable long-term successor to veteran Seamus Coleman, and their initial pursuit of Leeds’ Jayden Bogle has hit a roadblock. Bogle, who has impressed in the Championship with Leeds, is said to have rebuffed advances from Everton, prompting the Toffees to explore alternative options. White’s versatility—he can operate at right-back, center-back, or even in midfield—makes him an attractive target for Sean Dyche’s side, which is battling to climb the Premier League table.
For Arsenal, the decision to part ways with White represents a potentially bold move. The Gunners are in the thick of a title race, with Manchester City breathing down their necks, and Arteta has emphasized the importance of squad depth during the grueling run-in. White’s ability to cover multiple positions could prove invaluable in a season where injuries and fatigue often decide outcomes. However, Arsenal’s interest in Newcastle’s Tino Livramento suggests they are actively scouting reinforcements in the full-back department, which could open the door for White’s departure.
A permanent transfer seems unlikely at this stage, given White’s hefty wages and Everton’s financial constraints under Profit and Sustainability Rules. Instead, a loan deal could be the most feasible arrangement, allowing Arsenal to offload some wage burden while retaining the option to recall or sell him in the summer. If Livramento or another suitable replacement arrives, though, the Gunners might be tempted to sanction a full sale to recoup a portion of their initial investment.
This potential move underscores the fluid nature of the January window, where clubs like Everton are scrambling for solutions amid injury crises and form dips. For White, a switch to Goodison Park could offer a fresh start and regular playing time, potentially reigniting his career after a frustrating spell in north London.
Arteta, however, will be cautious. Letting go of a player of White’s caliber mid-season without a seamless replacement would be a risky gamble. As the window progresses, all eyes will be on whether Arsenal decide to cash in or hold firm to their defensive options in pursuit of Premier League glory.
Stay tuned for more updates as negotiations unfold—could this be the deal that reshapes both clubs’ seasons?