Manchester City’s interest in Arsenal defender Ben White has added a fascinating twist to the Premier League title race.
What might once have been dismissed as idle speculation now appears to have substance, with reports suggesting that the England international’s situation at the Emirates is increasingly uncertain.
TeamTalk’s Graeme Bailey reports that the dynamic around White has shifted dramatically due to a combination of tactical adjustments, form, and fitness issues under Mikel Arteta.
Once a cornerstone of Arsenal’s backline, White now finds himself fighting for minutes.
Bailey summed up the situation candidly, saying, “Ben White, from what I’m told, he is on board,” before adding, “there is a source of frustration there, he isn’t going to spend the rest of his career sat on the bench.”
For a player who has been integral to Arsenal’s defensive structure over the past two seasons, that admission reveals the depth of his current frustration.
The return of Jurrien Timber from long-term injury has altered the hierarchy in Arsenal’s defence.
According to the report, Timber is now viewed as Arteta’s preferred choice at right-back, leaving White to watch from the sidelines.
He has made just six appearances this season, starting only once in the Premier League—an extraordinary decline for a player once seen as indispensable.
That demotion has naturally prompted questions about White’s future. Bailey noted that the 28-year-old “is not one who really wants to go abroad, or not to Saudi at least,” a stance that instantly heightens interest from domestic clubs.
And among those, Manchester City are said to be particularly attentive.
According to the same report, City “think he could be a very good fit” and that “he’d probably suit their system so it makes sense.”
That assessment aligns with Pep Guardiola’s tactical philosophy, which prizes defenders who are as comfortable in midfield as they are at the back.
White’s ability to step into central zones, distribute under pressure, and maintain possession has long been one of his defining qualities.
Those traits mirror the kind of hybrid defensive profiles that Guardiola values — the likes of John Stones and Nathan Aké have shown how crucial that versatility can be in City’s setup.
Yet Arsenal are unlikely to make any hasty decisions. Bailey emphasised that “Arsenal are not going to mess around with this squad,” pointing to their cautious approach with other players on the fringes, such as Jakub Kiwior.
Arteta’s project remains focused on long-term consistency, and any sale would need to align with that vision.
Bailey added another layer of intrigue by noting, “He’s not banging to get released but there are clubs assessing it.”
This simply means that White is not forcing a move, but his situation is being closely watched across the Premier League.
Meanwhile, Manchester City’s interest in Arsenal defender Ben White is particularly striking given the context of this season’s title fight.
Arsenal currently hold a slender advantage—four points clear at the top—but both sides know how thin the margins can be.
- Why Jeremy Doku rejected Liverpool before he destroyed them on the pitch
- ‘I don’t like it’: Guardiola fumes over key issue during 3-0 victory against Liverpool
The idea of a key Arsenal defender switching to City mid-cycle would send ripples through both camps.
For City, however, the appeal is obvious. Guardiola’s side has faced its share of defensive reshuffles, and an adaptable, Premier League-proven player like White would provide immediate depth and tactical flexibility.
His composure on the ball, comfort under pressure, and ability to operate in multiple defensive roles would make him a natural addition to City’s system.
Financially, a potential deal would command a significant fee. White, who joined Arsenal from Brighton in 2021 for around £50 million, is under a long-term contract, meaning the Gunners are in a strong negotiating position. Any sale—especially to a rival—would likely require a premium valuation.
As the season progresses, the future of Ben White is likely to become one of the Premier League’s most closely watched stories.
