Arsenal star ‘tempted’ by Barcelona transfer after Arteta ‘formally’ puts him ‘on the table’
Jason Soutar Arsenal defender Ben White with the Barcelona badge
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has ‘offered’ out-of-favour defender Ben White to Barcelona, according to reports in Spain.
White cost Arsenal£50million in 2021 and instantly became a fans’ favourite, starring at centre-back alongside Gabriel Magalhaes in his first season.
He moved to right-back and excelled in 2022/23, barely missing a game as the Gunners finished second in the Premier League.
Jurrien Timber has been Arsenal’s starting right-back since the start of 2024/25, with White largely restricted to appearances in the cup competitions.
Prior to that, White was arguably one of the club’s most reliable players, rarely injured and remarkably consistent.
He has struggled with injuries since Timber and Riccardo Calafiori established themselves as Arteta’s starting full-backs, though he has been an unused substitute far more often than unavailable this campaign.
That said, minor niggling injuries have hindered him and potentially cost him minutes against Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday, as natural centre-back Cristhian Mosquera replaced Timber in the 57th minute.
MORE ON ARSENAL ON F365 *?Arsenal sent Arteta sack warning after Man Utd, Chelsea mistakes – ‘I think the hierarchy will agree’ *?Keane, Scholes disagree on Arsenal v Chelsea winner as Wright predicts ‘murder’ * Declan Rice credits Arsenal star for making him ‘unstoppable’ on path to Ballon d’Or
His lack of minutes over the past season and a half could see Arsenal cash in at the end of the season.
According to Spanish website Fichajes, Arsenal boss Arteta has ‘formally offered’ White to Barcelona, who are open to ‘poaching’ the 28-year-old.
With Jules Kounde struggling for form, Hansi Flick could jump at the opportunity to sign White, who is similar to the Frenchman in that he can play both right-back and centre-back.
Barcelona will ‘closely examine’ the opportunity, with Arsenal reportedly ‘willing’ to sell the England international as he is no longer a regular starter.
White is valued highly by the La Liga champions, who appreciate his ‘versatility, ball distribution and defensive anticipation’.
Barcelona view White’s €30million (£26.2m) valuation as ‘reasonable’, and the ex-Brighton defender is reportedly ‘tempted’ by the prospect, the report adds.
A summer transfer is possible, with Arteta described as the ‘main advocate’ for the deal after putting his ‘name on the table’ in discussions with Barca.
Fichajesalso claim Barcelona will have €110m to spend in the summer transfer window.
That figure has reportedly been promised by presidential candidate Marc Ciria, though Joan Laporta remains the favourite to stay in office.
Another player the website has linked with Barcelona is Benfica winger Andreas Schjelderup.
The report claims:
The Norwegian’s performance has not gone unnoticed in the FC Barcelona offices. Deco, responsible for sporting planning, is closely monitoring his progress.
Barcelona are looking for young players with room for growth and the ability to make a difference in the final third. Schjelderup fits that profile perfectly: pace, creativity, and a knack for scoring from the wing.
It’s not a simple operation. Benfica usually negotiates from a position of strength, and the player’s market value has increased considerably in recent months.
READ MORE: Surprise challenger takes on Nike and Adidas as football’s top stars make the switch
Arsenal Ben White
Related Articles
Ian Watson
Ben White joins Three Lions legends among 10 stars booed by England fans
Ben White can take some consolation from the company he is keeping among other England players to be booed by their own fans…
F365 Features Ben White Lewis Oldham
England: ‘Arrogant’ Tuchel slammed over White decision as Arsenal star lacks ‘decency’
England boss Thomas Tuchel has been labelled “arrogant” for his team selection against Uruguay and has been criticised for recalling Ben White.
England Ben White Lewis Oldham
England: Tuchel reveals ‘disappointing’ reaction to White boos after ‘crazy’ return – ‘I don’t think’
England boss Thomas Tuchel has responded after some home supporters booed Arsenal star Ben White against Uruguay on Friday night.
England Ben White Jason Soutar
England player ratings vs Uruguay: Ben White booed as Tuchel’s fringe stars fail to impress
Phil Foden struggled on a big night for Ben White as and Uruguay kicked lumps out of England in Friday’s ‘friendly’ draw at Wembley.
F365 Says Ben White Lewis Oldham
Man Utd ‘plan formal offer’ for Arsenal star as Arteta ‘reluctantly’ decides to ‘accept’ £52m sale – report
According to reports, Manchester United are ‘planning a formal offer’ for Arsenal star Ben White, who is set to leave the Gunners this summer.
Manchester United Ben White Lewis Oldham
Arsenal ‘reluctantly’ decide to sell £50m star on one condition as ‘five options’ to replace him revealed
According to reports, Arsenal have ‘reluctantly’ decided to sell England international Ben White and have ‘five options’ to replace him.
Arsenal Ben White
Latest Football News
Tottenham player-manager one of seven interim ‘options’ to replace Igor Tudor
Ben Davies Harry Redknapp
Tottenham next manager timeframe revealed after Tudor exit as ‘Spurs man’ backed
Igor Tudor
Tottenham confirm Igor Tudor exit and tease ‘new Head Coach’
Igor Tudor Roberto De Zerbi
‘Not Harvard English’ – Toni Kroos confused by Geordie accent as brother Felix hails Newcastle ‘summer’
Toni Kroos
Hungary manager hits out at Arne Slot ‘nonsense’ after telling Liverpool boss ‘not to interfere’
Arne Slot Mailbox
Man Utd ‘in purgatory’ under Carrick as Klopp ‘logic’ dispels top replacement doubts
Michael Carrick
Carrick in or out? Man Utd would be stupid to rush manager decision
Michael Carrick Popular
Rashford, Foden, Gordon to Liverpool proposed as Salah debate rages on
Mohamed Salah Popular
Mo Salah is no Luis Suarez; the Liverpool fan verdict is in
Mohamed Salah Popular Premier League Table Full Table
#
TEAM
P
W
D
L
GD
PTS
View More
Mediawatch
Arsenal star ‘called out’ as Spurs handed ‘huge boost’ and World Cup ‘nightmare’ emerges
Viktor Gyokeres
Arsenal face summer ‘transfer conundrum’ as Mo Salah ‘dream club’ revealed
Mohamed Salah Popular
Salah exit prompts ‘genuine concern’ about Premier League as two Liverpool mysteries solved
Mo Salah Popular
Arsenal season starting to unravel as ‘injury crisis’ hits at ‘worst possible time’
Copyright Notice: The content of this article is contributed by Internet users. The views only represent the author. This site only provides information storage services and does not own ownership or bear relevant legal responsibilities. If you find any suspected infringement or illegal content, please contact us. We will delete it immediately after verification.