Arsenal complete U-turn on Ben White as Edu ‘readies £18m transfer offer’

COMMENT: Arsenal might have changed their view on Ben White as they reportedly prepare yet another offer for a defender.

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.