Everton turn attention to Ben White as defender deal '99% done'

Everton are ready to make a move for Ben White when Arsenal complete the signing of Ezri Konsa, sources have told Football Insider.

The Gunners 28-year-old is open to joining the Merseysiders as he attempts to return to a regular starting role.

Sources say Everton have turned their attention to White as they work on solving their summer-long pursuit of a new right-back.

Football Insider revealed on Friday that Konsa's move to North London is "99 per cent done", with Arsenal in the final stages of negotiations with Aston Villa.

Signing White would kill two birds with one stone for Everton, who have been looking for defensive support throughout the transfer window.

The England international has played right-back to a high standard for the Gunners, but is equally capable in the centre of the defence.

Everton have been linked with moves for several full-backs in recent weeks, including Djed Spence, Alistair Johnston and Aaron Wan-Bissaka.

But Spence is close to joining Inter Milan and Football Insider revealed on Friday that Villa are confident of completing the capture of Wan-Bissaka imminently.

Everton to weigh up Ben White risks

Should Arsenal get a deal for Konsa over the line, they will have a decision of their own to make on White.

With William Saliba to return at some point this season, the Gunners could likely afford to let the 28-year-old go, although Jurrien Timber has injury concerns of his own.

The emergence of Marli Salmon could be the answer to their issues, however. The young defender will turn 17 at the end of the month and has impressed massively in pre-season.

There are questions for Everton, too, however. White will not leave Arsenal for free, and has suffered significant injury issues in recent years.

The right-back made just 12 Premier League appearances last season, and only 17 the season before that.

However, he looked to be back to his best at the end of last season and is said to have spent the summer recovering fully.

The stats that argue for signing White

The last full Premier League season White played was the 2023-24 season, in which he scored four goals and provided four assists.

In that season, the right-back averaged 1.17 chances created, 1.44 tackles, 3.61 recoveries and 3.16 duels won per game.

But it was largely the things that went under the radar that White did really well. His ability to keep possession and push Arsenal forward was constant and incredibly impressive.

Unfortunately the 4000 minutes White spent on the pitch in that season left their mark, but the full-back is finally returning to his best and Everton could be set to benefit.