Arsenal make Ben White transfer ‘decision’ after source’s Everton reveal
Mikel Arteta may not be prepared to let Ben White leave Arsenal for Everton this month amid fears about his weakening his squad in the January transfer window.
Former Man United chief scout Mick Brown told Football Insider that Arteta wants to keep his first-team squad together as Arsenal compete on all fronts.
Arsenal beat Porstmouth 4-1 to progress into the FA Cup fourth round, while they are also in the Carabao Cup semi-finals and Champions League knockout stages.
That, alongside competing at the top of the Premier League in hopes of finally securing the title, means the boss will block any big-name exits in January.
This comes after Brown told Football Insider that Arteta would block Ethan Nwaneri’s exit despite suggestions he could leave on loan this month.
Arsenal respond to Everton’s interest in Ben White
Football Insider exclusively revealed on 11 January that Everton are interested in signing White to ease their concerns about the right-back position under David Moyes.
The 28-year-old has started just nine games in what has been a season marred by injuries, but remains a key part of the squad and Arteta’s plans for the season.
“Arsenal aren’t going to let Ben White leave,” Brown told Football Insider.
“The same thing applies to what I said about Ethan Nwaneri, Arteta does not want to lose any of his players while they are still competing on all fronts.
“He needs to keep a strong squad together and that includes White.
“From Everton’s point of view, I’m not surprised they’re interested in him because Moyesey wants to strengthen his squad with better players than they’ve got.
“White is a player I can see fitting in well at Everton under Moyes, he’s tall, quick, strong technically sound, it would make a lot of sense.
“In normal circumstances, it’s a deal I can see happening, but Arsenal aren’t in ordinary circumstances at the moment, they want to win trophies.
“To do that, you need a strong squad. Arteta knows that, so he’s not going to let anybody leave, especially not those in and around the starting XI.
“Even if these players aren’t regulars at the moment, he will need to call on them down the line.”
Everton set sights on new right-back targets
White has emerged among a number of options for Everton as they aim to strengthen their squad in key areas ahead of the second half of the season.
This comes after Football Insider revealed on 19 December that Everton want to sign a right-back either in January or at the end of the season.
Jake O’Brien, 24, is the current first-choice right-back and has done a solid job so far this season after taking over the role from club legend Seamus Coleman.
Brown first told Football Insider in May that right-back is a priority position for Everton in their transfer plans as they are unhappy with their current options.
Alongside White, the likes of Leeds United star Jayden Bogle have been linked with moves to the Hill Dickinson Stadium, with ambitious plans being put in place.
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