Arsenal appear to have U-turned over their view of Ben White’s best position after another bid for a centre-back was reportedly made. White spent the entirety of his first season partnering Gabriel in central defence but played most of last term at right-back.
The England star was a £50million buy from Brighton in 2021 and shone for Arsenal in his first campaign. His partnership with Gabriel helped the Gunners challenge for a place in the top four, although a late dip in form ultimately saw Mikel Arteta’s side finish fifth.
But William Saliba’s return from his loan spell at Marseille last summer saw White switch positions. Moved to a less natural right-back position, the 25-year-old initially appeared to struggle but soon seemed more comfortable.
Arsenal seemingly believe White’s future remains at right-back despite signing him initially to play at centre-back. The north Londoners have since targeted several centre-backs, who will likely push the former Brighton ace further down the pecking order for the role.
Jakub Kiwior was signed from Spezia in January, while Jurrien Timber – who can also play at right-back – has arrived from Ajax. Arsenal are supposedly now preparing a bid for Dinamo Zagreb’s Josip Sutalo, according to the club’s director, Niccolo Ceccarini.
“Fiorentina will never spend 15 million euros for [goalkeeper Kamil] Grabara. For Sutalo there are four clubs ready to put at least 20 million (£18m) for the player. From Leipzig, to Arsenal, West Ham and Ajax,” Ceccarini told Radio Toscana.
It shows that Arsenal perhaps believe White is much more comfortable playing right-back. He blossomed into one of the best full-backs in the Premier League last season, earning praise from Arteta for his ability to quickly learn the role.
“We discussed the positional change [in pre-season],” Arteta said. “Every player needs some time, and to understand the reasons why. I think he’s really enjoying it. It brings him other opportunities. Being a versatile player is something rare in this world and I think he has the possibilities to fulfil that.”
However, White will face competition from Timber for his position this season. The former Ajax star can play at both centre-back and right-back, leaving White with a battle to remain in Arteta’s preferred starting 11.
With a more intense schedule due to their participation in the Champions League this season, Arsenal need a much stronger squad than they had last term. White can expect to be rotated throughout the campaign.