Sources: This is When Ben White Could Join Everton Amid £20m Arsenal Development

Everton are targeting Arsenal defender Ben White to bolster their right-back position during the January transfer window, but Arsenal are firmly resisting any mid-season sale, sources close to the negotiations reveal.[1][2]

Football Insider reports, via Pete O’Rourke, indicate that the Merseyside club views the 28-year-old England international as an ideal solution to their defensive woes. White, signed by Arsenal from Brighton for £50m in 2021, has struggled for game time this season, logging just 673 minutes despite being fit—less than eight full matches. With Jurrien Timber established as Arsenal's first-choice right-back, White serves primarily as backup, occasionally shifting to center-back.[1]

Arsenal's stance is clear: White is not for sale in January. The Gunners lack sufficient squad depth to risk his departure, especially with Timber as the sole other fit right-back option and young talent Joel Mosquera potentially needed elsewhere if William Saliba is injured. Mikel Arteta has publicly praised White's attitude, calling him a "tremendous player" essential to the squad, despite his bench role.[1][2]

Sources suggest a potential £20m deal could emerge in the summer if White's situation doesn't improve. His contract runs until 2028, with an option for an extra year to 2029, giving Arsenal leverage. While Everton remain keen—and Manchester City have also been linked—the timing points to post-season talks, allowing White to prove himself in remaining fixtures or Arsenal to reinvest proceeds.[1][2][4]

Everton's interest underscores White's Premier League pedigree, but Arsenal's title push and Carabao Cup commitments make a winter exit improbable. A summer move could suit all parties if White seeks regular starts.[3][5]

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