Arsenal's interest in Ben White future heats up as the defender's limited minutes spark talk of a summer exit. The 28-year-old, who joined from Brighton for £50 million in 2021, has started just nine games this season across all competitions. Manager Mikel Arteta values him, but clubs like Manchester City and Everton watch closely. This comes as Arsenal eyes Sporting CP's Iván Fresneda to bolster the right side.
Key Takeaways
- Ben White's Arsenal contract runs until June 2028, but summer 2026 marks a key window for a big fee.
- He's made only seven Premier League appearances this season, pushed out by Jurrien Timber's form.
- Arsenal tracks Sporting CP right-back Iván Fresneda, 21, with Manchester City and Newcastle also interested.
- Arteta calls White a key squad member now, but all sides will review his role after this season.
Background
Ben White came to Arsenal in July 2021. Big money. £50 million from Brighton. He started as a center-back. Now he's mostly right-back. Fits Arteta's system. But things shifted. Jurrien Timber arrived. Strong form. White sits more. This season? Just nine starts total. Frustrating for him. He's 28. Prime years. Wants regular play. Not bench warmer.
Arsenal pushed hard last year. Nearly won the Premier League. Deep Champions League run too. White helped. Experience counts. Off field too. But squad depth grows. Timber shines. Gabriel and Saliba lock center. White fights for spots. Manchester City asked about him before. Everton talked through agents. Even Juventus and Monaco sniffed around. Arsenal said no this month. Title chase on. They need him now.
White signed new deal March 2024. Four years. Until 2028. Plus option maybe. £150,000 a week. Solid pay. But game time matters more. He's committed. Fights for place. Arteta happy with that. After Brentford win last month, White starred. Clean sheet. Good passes. Arteta praised him public.
And Fresneda? Sporting CP kid. 21. Right-back. Arsenal watches. City too. Newcastle in mix. City's sporting director knows him well. Hugo Viana. Worked at Sporting. Fresneda impresses. Could slot right in. Indirect link to White. If new blood comes, old might go.
Arsenal looks ahead. Crystal Palace's Marc Guehi on radar. But summer 2026 plan. Not now. Guehi would fight Gabriel, Saliba. Tough sell maybe. White's spot? Same issue. Competition fierce.
Key Details
White's numbers tell story. Seven Premier League starts. Total nine all comps. Timber takes minutes. Excellent form. White waits. Patient. Not pushing out. But summer talks loom.
Arteta's View on White
Arteta spoke after Brentford. 2-0 win. White solid.
"Personally, I’m very, very happy for him as a human being. The first thing as a defender is he defends with purpose and determination. He’s done that today, and added value with the ball too." – Mikel Arteta
Clear message. Likes White. Human side. Team loves him. But reality bites. Timber back fit. White earns spot. Does it weekly.
Contract details firm. Ends June 2028. Arsenal wants fee if he goes. 2026 last big chance. After that? Value drops. White knows. Won't sit forever. Agents chat. Everton keen. City sees fit. Right defense boost.
Fresneda buzz grows. Sporting starlet. 21. Pace. Attack mind. Arsenal scouts note. City pushes via Viana. Newcastle watches. Premier League scrap ahead.
White's path? Joined Brighton youth. Loans to Newport, Peterborough, Leeds. Championship win there. Back to Brighton. Then Arsenal leap. 50 games first season. Steady since. England caps too. Versatile. But now? Crossroads.
Squad context matters. Declan Rice, Odegaard, Havertz locked long. Timber rising. White in mix. But depth means choices.
What This Means
Summer shapes Arsenal backline. White stays? Depth king for title, Europe. Goes? Cash for targets like Fresneda, Guehi. £30-40 million maybe. Smart business. 2026 window key. Contract tail end.
White moves? City gains edge. Rivals weaken Arsenal. Everton boosts. Experience cheap. Fresneda arrival signals youth push. Arteta builds next gen. Timber, Fresneda pair? Exciting. White exit funds it.
Fans watch close. Title race tight. City looms. Liverpool too. Backline stability vital. White proves worth. But if minutes stay low, change comes. Arteta balances now and future.
Club insists no sale this month. Push on. White in squad. But talks brew. Agents active. Summer decides.
Recent form helps White. Brentford stand out. More like that? Stays firm. Less? Doors open. Arsenal adapts. Always does.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Will Ben White leave Arsenal this summer?
A: No firm decision yet. Arsenal blocks moves now for title push. Summer review planned. Exit possible if minutes don't rise.
Q: Who is Iván Fresneda and why Arsenal?
A: 21-year-old Sporting CP right-back. Talented, attacking. Fits Arteta style. Club monitors amid White uncertainty.
Q: What's Ben White's contract status?
A: Runs to June 2028. Signed March 2024. Summer 2026 last big sale chance for Arsenal.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will Ben White leave Arsenal this summer?
No firm decision yet. Arsenal blocks moves now for title push. Summer review planned. Exit possible if minutes don’t rise.
Who is Iván Fresneda and why Arsenal?
21-year-old Sporting CP right-back. Talented, attacking. Fits Arteta style. Club monitors amid White uncertainty.
What’s Ben White’s contract status?
Runs to June 2028. Signed March 2024. Summer 2026 last big sale chance for Arsenal.
