Everton are leading the race to sign Ben White this summer, according to football insider HandOfArsenal, with the Arsenal defender emerging as a potential transfer target ahead of the next window.
Ben White has been linked with a summer move to Everton after football insider HandOfArsenal claimed the Merseyside club are showing strong interest in the Arsenal defender and currently lead the race for his signature. The same report adds that other clubs have also made enquiries, but says Everton are in front “as of today.”
There has been no public indication from Arsenal or Everton that talks are close to a conclusion, and no suggestion that a fee has been agreed. As things stand, it is an early summer claim rather than a move nearing completion.
From an Arsenal perspective, the timing is notable because White has only just moved back into the international picture. England confirmed on March 23 that he had been called up by Thomas Tuchel to replace the injured Eberechi Eze for the friendlies against Uruguay and Japan. The official update also noted that White has four England caps, making the recall a significant step after a long spell away from the senior squad.
White is still viewed as an important senior player at Arsenal even if his season has not always been straightforward. When fit, he offers reliability, top-level experience and flexibility across the back line, whether at right-back or centre-back. That is exactly the sort of profile that would appeal to Everton, particularly if they are looking for a defender who can step straight into Premier League football without a long adjustment period.
It also explains why any serious interest would raise a real question for Arsenal. White may not always be the headline name in Arteta’s side, but he remains one of the manager’s most dependable options when available. Selling him would remove an experienced defender from the squad and would leave Arsenal needing to think carefully about right-back depth, especially with Jurrien Timber’s recent fitness issues showing how quickly that area can become stretched.
White is not simply another squad player attracting outside attention. He is a proven senior option who gives Arsenal cover, calmness and tactical flexibility. Even in a squad packed with defensive talent, those qualities are not easy to replace.
If Arsenal were to consider any offer, the question would not just be about money. It would also be about those available to replace one of their most reliable fallback options (when fit) and enter the market for another right-back.
Still, with White back in the England squad and the summer window edging closer, it is a claim that places his future firmly into the conversation.