Report: Arsenal won’t let defender leave despite interest from Everton and Man City

Arsenal firm on White stance despite growing external interest

Arsenal remain adamant that Ben White will not be allowed to leave this month, despite interest from Everton and Manchester City. Reporting from TeamTalk indicates that while January represents a clear line in the sand, the longer term picture is more nuanced, with sources explaining why a future move away from Emirates Stadium cannot be ruled out.

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White arrived from Brighton and Hove Albion in July 2021 for £50m and is now in his fifth season under Mikel Arteta. Initially recruited as a centre half, the 28 year old has increasingly been deployed at right back, a role in which he became integral during Arsenal’s recent title pushes.

Game time squeeze shapes context

This season, however, White has started just nine matches across all competitions. The form of Jurrien Timber has limited opportunities, leaving White frustrated but not unsettled. Sources are clear that he is not actively pushing to leave, even after enquiries last year from Manchester City, who viewed him as an ideal fit on the right side of their defence.

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Intermediaries also held conversations with Everton and foreign clubs including Juventus and AS Monaco, yet Arsenal’s position has remained consistent. They see White as an important squad member for a season in which the club are pushing to win the Premier League and progress deep into the Champions League.

Arteta backing remains explicit

Arteta underlined that view after last month’s 2-0 win over Brentford, when White impressed.

“Personally, I’m very, very happy for him as a human being,” Arteta said.

“I think the rest of the team is the same because he’s a player who has always played for us, and sadly, because of the right reasons, he wasn’t playing that much because Jurrien was excellent, and he was out for a while, and then he needed to earn his place.

“But his attitude has been so positive, so good. Then when you are ready, and you’re given the opportunity, you take it like he did today.

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“So I’m very happy that we have him back in the best version of himself as well, and we’re going to need him because he’s a tremendous player.

“The first thing as a defender is he defends, and defends with that purpose and with that determination and efficiency. He’s done that today.

“Then if he can add the value that he can add with the ball through his passing, through his movement and through the deliveries that he can put in with the quality that he has, so be it, and today I think he’s done both very well.”

Summer assessment looms

Despite that public backing, sources suggest all parties will reassess in the summer. White’s contract runs until June 2028, meaning 2026 represents one of Arsenal’s final opportunities to secure a substantial fee. At this stage of his career, White is not keen to become a squad player, and while he remains committed now, a future move cannot be discounted.

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White has been a key figure in the club’s rise back into the title conversation, and there is an appreciation for how his versatility has allowed Arteta to evolve the system. Fans understand the frustration that comes with reduced minutes, but there is also trust in the manager’s rotation, particularly with the demands of Europe and the Premier League.

What matters most is timing. Allowing White to leave in January would undermine depth at a critical point of the season, especially with injuries and fine margins shaping title races. Supporters broadly agree with the club’s stance that this is not the moment to entertain offers, no matter the source.

Looking ahead to the summer, there is realism. If White wants guaranteed starts and Arsenal can reinvest wisely, a sale might make sense for all sides. Until then, fans expect professionalism, competition and clarity. White’s response so far suggests that is exactly what Arsenal are getting.