Abdulhafiz TeslimBen White is prepared to turn down a move to Everton in the summer transfer window if he receives assurances about his playing time at Arsenal.
The 28-year-old has won back his place in Mikel Arteta’s side in recent weeks, but competition from Jurrien Timber has led to uncertainty over his long-term role.
Everton have been long-term admirers of the England international as they aim to bolster their defence, but they could now be dealt a blow in their pursuit.
Former Manchester United chief scout Mick Brown told Football Insider that White will not consider leaving Arsenal if he believes he is still part of Arteta’s plans.
With the Gunners planning to compete on all fronts next season, as they have done this term, a deep squad will be needed — something which could deal a blow to Everton’s ambitious transfer plans.
Could Everton make a move to sign Ben White?
Football Insider revealed in March that Everton are plotting a move to sign White, as defensive reinforcements are top of David Moyes’ list of priorities.
They are not believed to be his only suitors ahead of the summer, but the Arsenal star is seen as a good fit for Moyes’ system.
His ability to play at both right-back and centre-back has placed him firmly on the Toffees’ radar, but any move will depend on his Arsenal playing time.
> “It’s a difficult one with Ben White,” Brown told Football Insider.
“If Arsenal win the Premier League title, as I believe they will, and the Champions League as well, why would he want to leave and no longer be part of that squad?
“The only possible reason is if he thinks he’s not going to get much playing time.
“He’s been back in the side recently while Timber has been injured, but when he comes back, will White drop back down to being a rotation option again?
“That’s something he will have to speak to Mikel Arteta about to seek some assurances, because Arsenal are going to need a big squad.
“If he’s going to be part of that squad, then I find it difficult to imagine him leaving Arsenal.
“But if he’s going to be playing a bit-part role there and wants to move on, Everton would be a very good destination for him and he would fit in well.
“Whether he could move to Everton all depends on what’s happening for him at Arsenal.”
How do Arsenal feel about selling White?
With White likely to seek assurances about his role under Arteta next season, Arsenal will have a decision to make regarding his long-term future.
The England defender has been a regular fixture in the side, but with growing competition for places, he has found minutes harder to come by when the squad is fully fit.
Meanwhile, Football Insider revealed that Arsenal could be prepared to let White leave ahead of what is expected to be a busy summer, with a focus on major sales.
The Gunners have seen the likes of Chelsea and Manchester City spend heavily in recent windows thanks to several major sales, and Andrea Berta has reportedly been tasked with replicating that strategy.
White is viewed as somebody who could be moved on for a significant fee given his wealth of top-level experience, placing Everton on alert over his availability.
Abdulhafiz Teslim
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