(Credit: Getty, Imago)

Evan Shaw

Mon 20 April 2026 14:00, UK

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Ben White’s future at Arsenal is looking increasingly bleak as his situation looks set to play perfectly into Everton’s hands this summer. 

The Toffees have been long-term admirers of the Gunners man, and are one of a number of clubs who are ready to try and pounce on a deal for him this summer.

Clubs abroad have also shown an interest in the England international, who has started just six Premier League games all season, and is now firmly on the fringes of Mikel Arteta’s squad. 

Jurrien Timber has largely dominated the right-back spot for the North Londoners so far this term, and they are now lining up a summer move for Marco Palestra to strengthen that position even further.

Arsenal’s transfer plans have seen them identify the Atalanta starlet as a huge talent for the future, and that could be about to push White closer to the exit. 

Arsenal well-placed for Marco Palestra deal as Everton to take advantage

Everton have positioned themselves towards the front of the race to sign White this summer, with Arsenal seemingly ready to try and sell the 28-year-old.

The Merseysiders have been short in the full-back department since the beginning of the season, and David Moyes is keen to strike a deal for White to avoid their depth being stretched so thinly there next term. 

That now appears to be an increasingly likely possibility for them, as Arsenal’s pursuit of Palestra appears as though it could be rewarded. 

The 21-year-old Cagliari loanee is attracting interest from several Italian sides ahead of the summer, but Atalanta’s £39million valuation is set to price them out of a move, according to Gazzetta Dello Sport, via Juventus News 24. 

Gazzetta previously reported interest from both Arsenal and Manchester City, and the Premier League is now seen as the most likely destination for Palestra.

Atalanta’s asking price for the right-back has provided serious encouragement for Arteta and Co. that a deal could be on the cards this summer, and that is highly likely to soften their stance on White. 

If a new right-back comes through the door, then it would be highly likely that he would be moved on, which will be music to the ears of everyone at the Hill Dickinson Stadium.  

Ben White’s destiny effectively in his own hands

Football Insider revealed back in March that White’s future at Arsenal is likely to hinge on his desire to play regular football. 

Everton have identified him as a “top priority” for their summer business, and are hopeful that a cut-price deal could be on the cards, but they will also need the player’s compliance.

White recently got back into the England squad under Thomas Tuchel, and Moyes will be hoping that his renewed sniff of a chance with the national team will have him keen to kick on next term.

A move to Everton would see White become a key figure once again, but he could yet stay put if he is happy picking up a wage at the Emirates Stadium. 

With that in mind, the defender’s destiny is effectively in his own hands this summer, with Arsenal and Everton both seemingly content to do business.