Wantaway Arsenal Star May Already Have Replacement Lined Up

Arsenal Defender May Already Have Summer Replacement Lined Up

Though his future is described as 'far from certian', Ben White's time with Arsenal looks as though it will come to an end this summer, with the full-back continuing to struggle for game time.

The 28-year old was a highly anticipated arrival when he joined almost five years ago, but fitness difficulties and serious competition for places from Jurrien Timber, who may well be one of the finest in his position in the world, mean that he has barely seen any action on the pitch this season.

With just over 400 Premier League minutes this season, it would probably be best for both parties that White move on, and he's likely to have plenty of options for his next club.

One thing I don’t get is how players like Ben White just don’t get used full stop unless there’s an injury issue or something

— Dan Boogs (@dankoogs) February 13, 2026

The Gunners seem prepared to see the back of the defender, having recently displayed interest in one of the most exciting young full-back talents in Europe.

Who Next For Arsenal?

Victory in the North London Derby meant that Arsenal's withering grip on the Premier League title has tightened again, and if they're able to go all the way, then they'll pretty much have their pick of any player in the world, bar those at the likes of Real Madrid.

That's especially true for defensive players, as the Gunners boast one of the most enviable and impressive backlines in the world this season, and will hope to strengthen that next season.

It appears that they're taking the future into consideration with their next defensive target, 21-year old Ivan Fresneda, who has established himself as an incredibly promising full-back in the last couple of seasons.

The Spaniard has been impressing at Sporting, where he has become a vital member of the first team after initially struggling to find his feet following his transfer from Real Valladolid.

He's taken his chances to shine on the European stage with the Portugese side as well, delivering some strong performances in a resounding success of a Champions League campaign so far, where Sporting finished seventh in the table to reach the round of 16.

Iván Fresneda is the fourth fastest full-back (and sixth fastest defender) in the 2025–26 Champions League, recording a top speed of 35.08 km/h.

[@CIES_Football] pic.twitter.com/UyNolW3oxg

— Talking Sporting (@TalkingSporting) February 19, 2026

Leading The Race

As you can imagine given the profile of Fresneda, Arsenal are having to compete with interest from plenty of rivals to secure the signing of a potentially world-beating player.

Even before joining Sporting, the Spanish U21 international had caught the attention of some massive European clubs, including the likes of Juventus, Borussia Dortmund and Newcastle.

Now his trajectory has continued soaring, competition is only getting stronger for those who are dabbling with the idea of bringing in the prospect.

Though Arsenal currently lead the way, it is being reported by TEAMtalk that more than half-a-dozen Premier League clubs have been monitoring his progress, with whoever secures the title likely to have the highest chance of bringing him in.

Newcastle have reignited their interest, but the most fierce competitor to Arsenal, both in the title race and the Fresneda race, is Man City, owing largely to the fact that their sporting director, Hugo Viana, was one of the key players in bringing the full-back to Sporting in the first place.

🚨🇪🇸 Manchester City are among the clubs interested in Iván Fresneda, the right-back of Sporting CP.

The interest is notably driven by Hugo Viana, who knows the player very well.

[via @GraemeBailey] pic.twitter.com/zXmCBZHzjd

— Sky Blues (@SkyBluesXtra) February 22, 2026

Arsenal will be keen to replace Ben White with the young talent to strengthen their squad depth with a long-term option, and can perhaps take solace in the fact that City already have Matheus Nunes and Rico Lewis in his position.

The latter himself is struggling for game-time this season, so if Pep decides that he is prepared to move him on, then we could be in for another exciting race between the two heavy hitters of the Premier League season.