Ben White to leave Arsenal? ‘Big’ January transfer update emerges
Mikel Arteta has no plans to part ways with Ben White in the near future as he still has an important role to play in Arsenal’s bid for the league title.
That is according to former Man United and Blackburn chief scout Mick Brown, who remains very well-connected within the game, as he exclusively told Football Insider that the 28-year-old’s recent displays have proved his value to the side.
The England international has made just nine appearances this season after struggling with an injury while Jurrien Timber has impressed in his place at right-back.
However, White returned to the Arsenal starting XI during their 2-0 win against Brentford and 2-1 defeat against Aston Villa, and has turned in impressive displays.
Injuries to Gabriel Magalhaes, William Saliba and Cristhian Mosquera have led to concerns about their depth at the back, but White’s return had boosted their position.
Arsenal will not let Ben White leave in January
White had been linked with a move to Newcastle in recent weeks after struggling to return to Arteta’s starting XI, but there are no plans to let him go.
Brown, who has a wealth of experience in top-level player recruitment after over a decade at Man United during their most successful period, insisted that the defender’s ability to step into the XI without any drop in levels is a valuable asset.
“White is still an important player for Arsenal,” he told Football Insider.
“They’ve got a very strong squad there now, a bit like Man City where they’ve got probably two players in every position who they can bring in.
“A lot of their success has been based on that defensive strength, and they benefit from having players like White who can come in when they get injuries.
“He hasn’t played maybe as much as he might’ve liked to or might’ve expected this season, but he’s had injury issues which have made things hard.
“I think that’s why there have been some suggestions that they might look to sell him or he might be looking to move on if there was an opportunity.
“But these recent games have shown he’s still a big part of Arteta’s plans and he needs his whole squad available if they want to win the Premier League title.”
Mikel Arteta makes new transfer plans
Arsenal are the favourites to win the Premier League as things stand, and they are determined to live up to those expectations as they aim to strengthen in the window.
Arteta feels there are still areas of his squad which could do with strengthening, and the January transfer window may prove crucial to any success they have.
Football Insider revealed on 22 November that Arsenal are poised to move for Kenan Yildiz after the Juventus forward’s contract talks stalled in Turin.
The Turkey international is primarily a wide forward but can play across the front three and would be seen as a major coup if the Gunners could land his signature.
Meanwhile, Football Insider revealed on 21 November that Arsenal have joined the race for Nathaniel Brown, the highly-rated Eintracht Frankfurt left-back.
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