It is widely known that Chelsea’s priority in the upcoming summer window will be to sort out the club’s centre-back options, and Arsenal star Ben White has emerged as a target.
Alan Shearer’s criticism of Jorrel Hato and Wesley Fofana following Chelsea’s 3-0 loss to Everton was more evidence for Liam Rosenior and the hierarchy that better is required in the middle of the defence.
The absences of Trevoh Chalobah and Levi Colwill don’t help, but even then, Chelsea need more experience at the back. They need a leader, which has been lacking since Thiago Silva left back in 2024.
One of many problems on the pitch at the moment 🤦♂️
Chelsea's Wesley Fofana
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Arsenal might just be able to help the Blues out with that. Chelsea are expected to change their approach in the window and sign an older head this summer, and Ben White could be the man to come in.
Chelsea among clubs eyeing White as Arsenal stance revealed
Despite only managing seven Premier League appearances this season, 28-year-old White has won his place back in the England squad. He made himself unavailable for selection under Gareth Southgate.
While many will question Thomas Tuchel’s selection, it points to how highly he is regarded despite his lack of game time. But that lack of game time could also see Arsenal’s £50m signing leave this summer.
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According to TeamTalk, Arsenal are one of several Premier League clubs eyeing a move for the former Leeds and Brighton defender. The Gunners do not want to sell White, but are also realistic.
The report claims Arsenal understand that at this stage in White’s career, he wants to be playing regularly, and that has alerted Chelsea. It would give the Blues an option at right-back and centre-back.
It is not the first time Chelsea have been linked with White. In 2020, Frank Lampard’s first stint as Chelsea manager, the Blues legend wanted to raid Brighton for the defender. He joined Arsenal a year later.
The state of Chelsea’s centre-back options and who leaves
As things stand, Chelsea have 10 senior centre-backs on the books. Chalobah and Colwill are injured, while Axel Disasi and Aaron Anselmino are currently out on loan at West Ham and Strasbourg.
What do you make of Wesley Fofana in a Chelsea shirt? Is he good enough?🤔
Everton v Chelsea - Premier League
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Rosenior currently has Benoit Badiashile, Wesley Fofana, Tosin Adarabioyo, Josh Acheampong, and Mamadou Sarr available. Hato can play in the middle of the defence but is naturally a left-back.
Chelsea are open to selling Chalobah, Badiashile and Tosin, according to reports. Disasi will surely leave and could join West Ham permanently if the Hammers are able to avoid relegation this season.
Acheampong could also depart, with Newcastle and Liverpool the latest to be linked. Plenty needs to be sorted, especially with Chelsea looking to sign an older head at the back – potentially, Arsenal’s White.
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