Everton can agree Ben White deal within weeks as Seamus Coleman announcement intensifies right-back search

Everton will be under huge pressure to sign a new right-back this summer after it was announced that Seamus Coleman would be leaving this summer.

The 37-year-old is set to call time on his 17 years on Merseyside in the coming weeks, with Sunday’s clash against Sunderland set to be his Hill Dickinson Stadium goodbye.

Coleman has been available throughout the season but has made just five appearances across all competitions, with constant fear of further injuries limiting his involvement.

Sunday’s game could well be his 434th and final Everton appearance, although David Moyes’ team are still fighting to qualify for European competition.

Everton transfer chiefs have reportedly identified Ben White as an option this summer, with the Arsenal defender potentially set to leave.

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Former Manchester United chief scout Mick Brown exclusively told Football Insider this week that White is set for talks with Arsenal this summer, ahead of a potential move to Everton.

The right-back may well have made his final appearance for the Gunners, after suffering a knee injury against West Ham last week.

White had looked back to his best in recent weeks while filling in for the absent Jurrien Timber, and could have even gone to the World Cup as part of Thomas Tuchel’s squad.

But his future is now unclear, with Arsenal reportedly readying a move for a new right-back this summer.

Everton had already been set to sign a new defender, or two, this summer amid a lack of depth and repetitive injuries to Nathan Patterson and Jarrad Branthwaite.

Coleman’s announcement has made the situation more urgent, however, and White would appear the perfect target.

Seamus Coleman – one of our greatest-ever servants and captains – has announced his proud Everton playing career spanning more than 17 years will come to an end when his contract expires next month.

Thank you for everything, Seamus. 💙

The 28-year-old is more than capable of performing to the highest standard at both right-back and centre-back, and Arsenal would be unlikely to stand in his way if he looked for a move.

The former Brighton man is under contract until 2028, and cost £50million when the Gunners signed him in 2021.

White’s injury has come at the worst possible time. The defender was due to play in Arsenal’s final two Premier League games, and would likely have started the Champions League final, too.

Not only that, the 28-year-old was in with a good chance of going to the World Cup this summer.

Speaking about the injury this week, Mikel Arteta said: “We have to wait and see. It looks like a long-term injury.

“At the moment, the focus is can we have him back and be available for Arsenal. That’s not going to happen in many, many weeks.”

Luckily, White has avoided the need for surgery and should be back for the start of the season, allowing for a potential move this summer.

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