Arsenal have accepted that Ben White's time at the club is effectively over. They won't force a sale, but they'll open the door for the right offer — and they've already drawn up a list of who comes next.
According to journalist Graeme Bailey at TEAMtalk, the club are 'huge admirers' of White and would prefer to keep him in an ideal world. That world doesn't exist anymore. With Jurrien Timber nailing down the right-back spot and showing no signs of relinquishing it, White has made just seven Premier League appearances this season. Keeping a 28-year-old England international on that kind of schedule simply isn't sustainable for either side.
Timber made this decision for Arteta
The blunt truth is that Timber arrived and was simply better. White hasn't done much wrong — he's been professional, available, and consistent when called upon — but consistency doesn't matter when the man ahead of you has elevated the position. Arsenal's right flank with Timber operating there is a different animal, and Arteta isn't sentimental enough to let that slip for the sake of loyalty.
White's recent England recall under Thomas Tuchel is a kindness more than a reflection of his current form. Seven league starts is not the profile of a player cementing his international place — it's the profile of a player who needs a move. Ex-Arsenal defender Bacary Sagna was firm on where that move shouldn't be: "He's still only 28 and he should keep playing at the elite level for at least another few years before even considering a move to MLS." Hard to argue with that.
Five names on Arsenal's shortlist
Arsenal aren't waiting around. TEAMtalk reports they already have five candidates under consideration to fill White's position:
- Ivan Fresneda (21, Spanish) — a long-term admirer target for the Gunners
- Wesley Franca — emerged as a candidate after an impressive season with Roma
- Tino Livramento — Newcastle's right-back, and arguably the most Premier League-ready option on the list
- Nnamdi Collins — Eintracht Frankfurt defender drawing interest
- Vanderson — Monaco's Brazilian full-back, capable of genuine width and pace
Livramento is the obvious short-odds pick from that group in terms of fit and availability, though Newcastle won't sell cheaply. Fresneda at 21 represents the longer-term bet — lower cost, higher ceiling, more risk.
Arsenal paid around £50m for White in 2021. What they recoup this summer will shape how much they can spend on his successor. That's the real number to watch once the window opens.
