Arsenal’s Ben White’s Surprising Chelsea Transfer: Why It Makes Sense and What It Means for Summer Moves

Arsenal defender Ben White might be on the verge of leaving the club, as playing time has been scarce lately.

White featured in the season's opening match for the Gunners but has not started again in the Premier League, with Jurrien Timber establishing himself as the preferred choice at right-back and one of the league's top players.

As Arsenal prepares to face Chelsea this weekend in Premier League action, speculation arises regarding White's potential shift from North London to West London.

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Could Ben White make a move to Chelsea from Arsenal?

Ben White has proven to be a great acquisition for Arsenal, initially forming a solid partnership with Gabriel in central defense before William Saliba joined the backline, allowing White to transition to right-back, where he excelled in various title challenges.

However, the former Brighton & Hove Albion player has faced injury challenges over the past two years, playing through pain in the 2023/24 season. With Timber's emergence—ranked no.6 in eScored's list of the best right-backs globally—and his own injury setbacks, White has appeared in just 18 league matches since last season.

Now, former Chelsea player Shaun Wright-Phillips has suggested that he could envision White transferring to Chelsea ahead of the upcoming clash between the two London rivals.

“I think I could see a move for Ben White to Chelsea take place in the summer,” Wright-Phillips told BestBettingSites, adding, “It makes sense, it’s possible. I feel quite sorry for Ben because he had an injury, and he was playing so well for Arsenal. He was unbelievable.”

“I don’t think Arsenal would be willing to sell him in the winter window, though, because that squad depth is one of Arsenal’s biggest advantages. If Timber is injured, White is the one to come in.

“So selling him would force Arsenal back into the market, and I don’t think that’s something they would want to do while they are challenging for the title, and maybe the Champions League.”

eScored understands that Chelsea are not currently pursuing White—but given the right-back's versatility and ability to both invert and overlap, he would make an excellent addition for Enzo Maresca.

At 28, it might be less likely for Chelsea to pursue White, given their strategy of signing younger players. However, several clubs would likely be interested in the four-cap England international if he considers leaving London Colney, despite his recent injury issues.

Arsenal has often been linked with right-sided defenders over the last few years, with players like Arnau Martinez and Sacha Boey drawing minimal interest, fitting the profile that manager Mikel Arteta seeks in a ‘complete' full-back capable of contributing across all areas of play.

White is valued at €38 million by Transfermarkt.