There hasn’t been any movement for Arsenal during the January transfer window so far, but Ben White remains a topic of conversation around the club. Despite talk of a possible sale, the right-back has featured more regularly than some may have anticipated this season.
There hasn’t been any movement for Arsenal during the January transfer window so far, but Ben White remains a topic of conversation around the club.
Despite talk of a possible sale, the right-back has featured more regularly than some may have anticipated this season.
As injuries continue to impact Mikel Arteta’s options at full-back, speculation around the 28-year-old’s future is starting to build.
Everton have also shown interest in White this month and there’s now a fresh development regarding their pursuit.
Ben White contemplating Arsenal future amid January transfer talk
Ben Jacobs was on the Highbury Squad podcast this week, discussing the latest around Arsenal’s transfer activity. It wasn’t surprising that he spent some time on Ben White’s situation.
The journalist started by addressing the ongoing speculation about White’s desire to leave. “I’m not aware that he’s overly agitating to leave, but by the same token, if the right offer arrives, I think that you’ll find both Benjamin White and Arsenal have a conversation.”
Jacobs also touched on Everton’s interest, noting that it’s still unclear whether any move would happen this month or in the summer.
The most notable part of Jacobs’ update was his view on where White stands with his future. “From White’s point of view, I think he understands regardless of form or fitness that in the long run it might be best to start looking elsewhere,” Jacobs said.
He added: “My understanding is that he’s starting to wonder in the next, let’s say, year to two years.” “Is there going to be that ability to play every week? Is there going to be that chance to hold down a starting spot or is he going to slide further down the pecking order?
“And that’s not something I think makes the player feel particularly confident about being a squad player at Arsenal even if they end up winning trophies for fun.”
It would appear unwise for both sides for a deal this winter as Arteta and White look for major silverware over what remains of 2024.
The real question now is what follows. As more information comes out from sources like Jacobs, we’re getting a clearer picture of how things might develop.
Arsenal’s valuation headache complicates Ben White’s future
While White may no longer be first-choice, he still provides valuable depth for Mikel Arteta, so moving him on mid-season would be a risky move.
The bigger issue is his declining market value. When Arsenal do decide to sell, they may not see much of a return on their initial investment.
Transfermarkt reports that White’s value has dropped by €25m over the past year, falling from €55m to just €30m.
With fewer appearances this season, it only weakens Arsenal’s bargaining position even further. It wasn’t long ago that White was one of the first names on the team sheet.
This isn’t a situation likely to be sorted out in January. Both sides are probably better off waiting until summer when there’s more time to find the right solution.
Category: General Sports
