Everton Target Risks It All On Arsenal Promise: Can The Toffees Land A Proven Defender Who Won’t Come Cheap?

“It’s a difficult one with Ben White. If Arsenal win the Premier League title, as I believe they will, and the Champions League as well, why would he want to leave being a part of that squad?

The only possible reason is if he thinks he’s not going to get much playing time. He’s been back in the side recently when Timber has been injured, but when he comes back, will he drop back down to being a rotation option again?

That’s something he will have to speak to Mikel Arteta about to seek some assurances, because Arsenal are going to need to have a big squad. If he’s going to be part of that squad, then I find it difficult to imagine him leaving Arsenal.

But if he’s going to be playing a bit-part role there and wants to move on, Everton would be a very good destination for him, and he would fit in well.”

Would Everton actually benefit from signing a player returning from a knee injury?

LONDON, ENGLAND – MAY 10: Ben White of Arsenal leaves the pitch after picking up an injury during the Premier League match between West Ham United and Arsenal at London Stadium on May 10, 2026 in London, England. (Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images)

Truthfully, the injury makes things a lot more complicated than Everton fans might want to admit. The Toffees have been crying out for a new right-back for years, with their current options getting older, and Jarrad Branthwaite’s fitness struggles this season showing how thin they are at the back.

White’s versatility fills that gap perfectly. Even so, bringing in a player fresh off a knee ligament injury is always a gamble. With his recovery timeline pointing toward the start of next season, Everton would essentially be buying him on blind faith, without seeing how sharp he looks in pre-season.

All that aside, White’s consistency and ability to adapt have always been his biggest selling points, and those traits don’t just vanish because of one injury. If Arteta won’t give him the green light, Everton look like a smart destination where White would be a weekly starter, leading the back four, not just another name in a rotation.