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Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta | Getty Images
Arsenal have a decision to make regarding the future of Ben White amid transfer interest from elsewhere.
Arsenal defender Ben White is facing an uncertain future ahead of the summer. According to TEAMtalk, he is attracting interest from the likes of Chelsea, Manchester United and Liverpool ahead of the summer window. The same report suggests Iván Fresneda, Wesley, Tino Livramento, Nnamdi Collins and Vanderson are seen as potential replacements as the Gunners plot out their shortlist of targets.
White has recently been recalled to the England side after nearly four years away from the international scene, but is struggling for minutes at club level and could be regarded as disposable if other sides’ alleged interest crystallises into a formal offer. But with a number of options seemingly on Arsenal’s radar, who should they sign if White does indeed depart?
Arsenal could cut ties with Ben White this summer
Arsenal have a decision to make regarding White’s long-term situation. He remains under contract at the Emirates Stadium until June 2028, but is no longer guaranteed regular first-team football and it is yet to be known whether he will be sticking around for much longer.
The 28-year-old, who has four caps for England to his name, has been forced to play second fiddle behind Jurriën Timber for much of this season. Therefore, an exit in the next transfer window would be a sensible move for him. It would allow him to get some more game time under his belt which is what he needs at this stage of his career.
White joined the Gunners back in 2021 to boost their defensive department. Prior to his move, he caught the eye at Brighton & Hove Albion. Chelsea, Manchester United and Liverpool could all now see him as someone to boost their respective backlines ahead of the next campaign.
Arsenal should target Ivan Fresneda if Ben White is sold
Fresneda has been mentioned as a possible option for Arsenal at the end of this term along with Wesley, Livramento, Collins and Vanderson - and has been the subject of rumoured interest from the North London side for many years despite his tender age. At just 21, he could eventually be a big upgrade on White. He is young, has considerable potential to develop and may well prove to be a shrewd long-term addition if he made the switch to England.
The wing-back is speedy and likes to get up and down the flank for Sporting Lisbon. They landed him back in 2023 and he has since become one of their most prized assets. His current club will face a serious battle to keep hold of him down the line amid expected attention from elsewhere and they will likely try and hold out for as much money as possible for him.
Fresneda had spells as a youngster at Leganés and Real Madrid before settling down at Real Vallodolid. He subsequently represented his former team at various different youth levels before breaking into their first-team as a teenager. The Spain youth international then moved to Portugal and he hasn’t looked back since.
The Madrid-born man has made 78 matches in all competitions for Sporting and has chipped in with four goals. If he joined up with Arsenal, he would likely add more quality to Mikel Arteta’s ranks - as well as a player who has the ability to get fans out of their seats. If White does leave the Emirates, he could well be the best option available to the Gunners this summer.
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