Chelsea and Arsenal are no strangers to each other in the transfer market. Could the London rivals actually be involved in some late business in this summer window, though?
Even though they are significant rivals, Chelsea and Arsenal don’t mind conducting transfer business between themselves.
Plenty of individuals have moved in opposite directions between Stamford Bridge and the Emirates Stadium, especially in recent years. In fact, the Blues sold both Noni Madueke and Kepa Arrizabalaga to the Gunners this summer.
Raheem Sterling had an unsuccessful loan at Arsenal last season, so it certainly doesn’t always work out. Incidentally, Fulham could accelerate interest in Sterling imminently as Chelsea look to move on the experienced winger.
Several Arsenal first-team players pictured in a training session.
Photo by Stuart MacFarlane/Arsenal FC via Getty Images
Ben White suggested as a target by Chelsea board member
According to journalist Simon Phillips via Substack, one of Chelsea’s board members mentioned the name of Arsenal’s Ben White over the weekend as a central defender to consider targeting.
Phillips added that nothing is expected to come of it and Mikel Arteta’s side would not sell him.
White has been an important player for the Gunners since his move to the Emirates Stadium in 2021. Therefore, we’re not surprised to hear that the versatile defender, who can play right-back or centre-half, won’t be on the move in the final stages of the summer window.
The fact that the 27-year-old Arsenal star was mentioned potentially highlights Chelsea’s desire for a new defensive option, though.
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Speaking earlier in August, Blues head coach Enzo Maresca admitted he wants to sign another centre-back to help his squad following Levi Colwill’s ACL injury. However, the time is quickly running out to bring in a defender before Monday’s deadline at 7pm.
Ben White playing for Arsenal against Manchester United in the Premier League.
Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images
Chelsea wanted Ben White over five years ago
It’s not the first time that White has been mentioned as a potential Chelsea target because he was on their radar over five years ago.
Chelsea lined up a move for White in the 2020 January transfer window. At the time, the Brighton-owned player was impressing on loan with Leeds United in the Championship.
The ball-playing defender has gone on and proven himself to be an extremely dependable performer in the top division as part of Arsenal’s rigid backline, regardless of where he plays in defence.
Club Appearances
Arsenal 161
Newport County 51
Leeds United 49
Brighton 41
Peterborough United 16
Ben White’s senior club career
Have Chelsea got enough depth in defence?
If Chelsea don’t sign another centre-back this summer, which feels increasingly more likely as time runs out to complete business, they still have plenty of options in the heart of defence.
Even without injured star Colwill, the Blues can call upon Trevoh Chalobah, Tosin Adarabioyo, Wesley Fofana and Josh Acheampong. Benoit Badiashile is another centre-back option who’s currently unavailable through injury, too.
Chelsea have conceded just once in their opening two Premier League games, but how will they fare at home to Fulham on Saturday?
We would expect to see a partnership of Tosin and Chalobah in the centre of defence this weekend.