A journalist has said that Arsenal have shortlisted two Premier League centre-backs as potential replacements for Ben White. 

White has struggled to get consistent game time this season both due to injury problems and the competition for places that he faces. Gabriel and William Saliba are both set in stone starters when fit at centre-back, Jurrien Timber has earned the right back spot and Myles Lewis-Skelly has earned the left-back spot.

Due to this, many have tipped White to leave Arsenal in the summer in search of more regular game time, and the Gunners will need to find replacements for the 27-year-old.

According to Graeme Bailey from the Boot Room, White has become part of the ‘periphery’ at Arsenal and his situation could be worth keeping an eye on.

He said: “This could very well be the curious case of Benjamin White, he has been such a pivotal and important player under Arteta during his Arsenal project, but sometimes needs must.

“White has never let Arsenal down, but Timber is now fit and looks even better than the club hoped – he can play everywhere, left and even CDM but he is at home at right-back and as it stands looks better fit than White.

“Then there is the emergence of Lewis-Skelly, so Timber isn’t needed as much on the left whilst there is also [Riccardo] Calafiori who takes up another defensive slot. I think White’s situation is one to look at.”

Arsenal eye up Premier League pair

Bailey continued to discuss White’s situation suggesting that Arsenal want to sign either Brentford’s Nathan Collins or Bournemouth’s Dean Huijsen, which could further push White out of the squad.

He said: “One other thing I find interesting is Arsenal looking for another central defender – Dean Huijsen and Nathan Collins are two they are looking at, and they insist they want them to compliment Saliba and Gabriel, I find it interesting as it seems White won’t or isn’t going to be used in that role.”

The Gunners have been previously linked to Huijsen, who is expected to command a £50m transfer fee amid interest from Real Madrid and Liverpool. He’s become a regular in Bournemouth’s side this season, performing well under Andoni Iraola.

Collins on the other hand is expected to be worth around £24m, and has quietly had a fantastic season for Brentford. He’s made 33 Premier League appearances this season, scoring two goals and providing four assists.

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