Mikel Arteta and Arsenal have now shifted their focus towards replacing Ben White with the addition of yet another set-piece specialist this summer.
Ben White could leave Arsenal this summer
It's been a frustrating time for Ben White at Arsenal. As new faces have arrived, his injury struggles have grown worse and he now founds himself behind Jurrien Timber and perhaps even Cristhian Mosquera in the pecking order.
Should Arsenal seal the Premier League title this season, it could be the perfect time for the right-back to seal a swift departure amid reported interest from the likes of Everton.
Timber-Saliba-Gabriel-Ben-White-Arsenal Related
Arteta's most expensive defender ever now looks finished at Arsenal
For all of Arsenal's defensive success, Mikel Arteta must look to sell a struggling defender this summer.
Having initially cost around £50m, White remains the most expensive defender to join the Gunners under Arteta and has proved to be worth that price despite recent struggles.
As questions continue to arrive about his future, the former Brighton man will likely have his focus set on making a return from injury. Whether that comes as soon as this weekend against Chelsea remains to be seen, however.
Previewing Sunday's all-important London derby earlier this week, Arteta told reporters: "What we’ve done two weeks ago or two years ago is irrelevant, because every game and context is different. The players might change, the mood of the teams can be in a different state or what is at stake is different, and we are prepared.
"When you finish like this you only want to be first. That’s it. That’s the aim. Always get better, always try to excel the possibilities of the team."
Even though the Gunners could finally secure the Premier League crown this season, however, there is no rest for the wicked. Andrea Berta is already thinking about summer reinforcements, including a replacement for White.
Arsenal plotting Michael Kayode move
Those in North London have already got one set-piece specialist in Declan Rice and now they could be about to welcome another. According to Caught Offside's Daily Briefing, Arsenal are plotting a move to sign Michael Kayode from Brentford to replace White this summer.
The 21-year-old is best known in the Premier League for his long throw, which travels enough distance to pose the threat of a corner - a situation that Arsenal thrive in.
Premier League Teams 25/26 Set-piece goals
Arsenal 17
Newcastle United 14
Manchester United 13
Tottenham Hotspur 13
Leeds United 13
Add a long throw specialist to Arsenal's ranks and they're only likely to get even better, having already dominated in that area so far this season.
Brentford won't be overly keen on losing their right-back anytime soon, though. Dubbed "excellent" by talent scout Jacek Kulig in 2023, the Italian has improved with every season in West London and interest from the Premier League's champions elect should come as little surprise.
michael-kayode-brentford
At just 21 years old, the only way is up. Whether that development takes place at Arsenal this summer is the big, unanswered question.