Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has issued a powerful and unequivocal statement regarding the future of defender Ben White, effectively extinguishing any lingering hopes Everton may have had of signing the player this month.
Praise after pivotal cup performance
The Gunners boss made his feelings clear following his side's 3-2 victory over Chelsea in the Carabao Cup semi-final first leg on Wednesday night. Ben White was instrumental in the win, contributing a goal and an assist for Viktor Gyokeres, with Martin Zubimendi also on the scoresheet.
Speaking in his post-match press conference, Arteta left no room for ambiguity about White's importance to his project at the Emirates Stadium. "I think I've said it many times about how I feel about Ben and not [just] what he's done in the last few weeks, but what he's done for us in the last few years," Arteta stated.
He elaborated further, highlighting the defender's unwavering commitment: "He's shown that in various contexts that he's a player that's going to give absolutely everything for the team, that he's always there, he's someone you can count on in any circumstances."
A definitive end to transfer speculation
These comments serve as a direct and public rebuttal to recent transfer rumours linking Ben White with a surprise move to Premier League rivals Everton during the January window. Arteta's effusive praise and clear outlining of White's integral role make it apparent the defender is not for sale at any price.
The manager's words position White as a cornerstone of the Arsenal squad, a player whose value extends far beyond the pitch. Arteta's message is a clear signal to the market and to Everton that any approach for the 26-year-old would be futile.
Mixed feelings after Chelsea victory
While delighted with the result and performance against Chelsea, Arteta admitted his team should have secured a more commanding lead for the second leg. He pointed to a missed chance by Mikel Merino that would have made it 4-1, and a later Chelsea goal that kept the tie alive.
"We had the feeling at the end, after the 1-3 and the very dominant period that we had in that time, that we had two massive chances to score the fourth one," Arteta reflected. "The result would have been very different... but we have to value what the team has done again."
Despite the slender lead, Arsenal remain strong favourites to progress to the Wembley final when they host the second leg. The night, however, will be remembered not just for the scoreline, but for Arteta's firm and decisive closing of the door on a major transfer story.
