Transfer Expert: Arsenal star to hold talks with Arteta amid Everton interest

Ben White is prepared to turn down a move to Everton in the summer transfer window if he receives assurances about his playing time at Arsenal.

The 28-year-old has won back his place in Mikel Arteta’s side in recent weeks, but competition from Jurrien Timber has led to uncertainty about his long-term role.

Everton have been long-term admirers of the England international as they aim to bolster their defence, but could now be dealt a blow in their pursuit.

Former Man United chief scout Mick Brown told Football Insider that White will not consider leaving Arsenal if he believes he is still part of Arteta’s plans.

With the Gunners planning to compete on all fronts next season as they have this term, a deep squad will be needed, in what could be a blow to Everton’s ambitious transfer plans.

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Football Insider revealed in March that Everton are plotting a move to sign White as defensive reinforcements are top of David Moyes’ list of priorities.

They are not believed to be his only suitors ahead of the summer, but the Arsenal star is seen as a good fit for the system in place under Moyes.

His ability to play both at right-back and centre-back have placed him firmly on the Toffees’ radar, but any move will depend on his Arsenal playing time.

“It’s a difficult one with Ben White,” Brown told Football Insider.

“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 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.

“Whether he could move to Everton all depends on what’s happening for him at Arsenal.”

With White likely to seek assurances about his role under Arteta next season, Arsenal will be given a decision to make with regard to his long-term future.

The England defender has been a regular fixture in the side, but with growing competition for places, he has found minutes hard to come by in a fully-fit squad.

Meanwhile, Football Insider revealed that Arsenal could be prepared to let White leave ahead of what is expected to be a busy summer with a focus on big sales.

The Gunners have seen the likes of Chelsea and Man City spend big in recent windows thanks to some major sales, and Andrea Berta has been tasked with replicating that.

White is seen as somebody who could be moved on for a significant fee given his wealth of top-level experience, placing Everton on alert over his availability.

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