Mikel Arteta and Arsenal have shifted their focus to adding yet another set-piece specialist to replace Ben White this summer.
Ben White could leave Arsenal this summer
It’s been a frustrating period for Arsenal’s Ben White. His injury struggles worsened as new players came in, and he now finds himself behind Julian Timber and perhaps even Cristian Mosquera in the top pecking order.
If Arsenal win the Premier League title this season, it could be the perfect time for the right-back to decide on a quick departure, with interest from the likes of Everton reported.
Arteta’s most expensive defender in history looks complete at Arsenal
If Arsenal are to have any success defensively, Mikel Arteta will need to consider selling underperforming defenders this summer.
With an initial transfer fee of around £50m, White was the most expensive defender to join Arteta’s Gunners and despite his recent struggles, he has proven to be worth his price tag.
The former Brighton man will now focus on his return from injury as questions continue to be asked about his future. However, it remains to be seen whether that will happen against Chelsea this weekend.
Previewing Sunday’s pivotal London derby earlier this week, Arteta told reporters: “It doesn’t matter what we did two weeks ago or two years ago, because every game and situation is different. The players may change, the team atmosphere may be in a different state, what’s at stake may be different. And we’re ready.
“If we finish like this, we just want to be No. 1. That’s it. That’s the goal. Always try to get better and always try to exceed the team’s potential.”
But even though the Gunners have finally clinched Premier League glory this season, there is no rest for the villains. Manager Andrea Berta is already considering summer reinforcements, including replacing White.
Arsenal plot Michael Cayode transfer
The north London side have already signed one set-piece specialist in Declan Rice and could be about to bring in another. According to Caught Offside’s Daily Briefing, Arsenal are planning to sign Michael Cayode from Brentford this summer to replace White.
The 21-year-old is best known in the Premier League for his long throws, which travel far enough to pose a threat for corners, a situation in which Arsenal have thrived.
Premier League Team 25/26 | set piece goal |
|---|---|
arsenal | 17 |
newcastle united | 14 |
manchester united | 13 |
tottenham hotspur | 13 |
leeds united | 13 |
Adding a long-throw specialist to Arsenal’s ranks is likely to make them even better, having already excelled in that area so far this season.
However, Brentford won’t be too keen on losing their right-back right away. The Italian, described as ‘excellent’ by talent scout Jacek Kulig in 2023, has improved with each season in west London and interest from the Premier League champions is no surprise.
I’m only 21 years old, and I have no choice but to go up. The big unanswered question is whether something like that will happen at Arsenal this summer.
