Former Chelsea and Manchester City winger Shaun Wright-Phillips has set the rumour mill spinning by suggesting Arsenal defender Ben White could be poised for a shock cross-London move to Chelsea.
From Key Player to Peripheral Figure
The speculation comes as the 28-year-old defender finds himself in a unfamiliar position on the sidelines at the Emirates. White was a mainstay in Mikel Arteta's team following his £50 million transfer from Brighton in 2021, featuring in at least 32 Premier League matches in each of his first three seasons.
However, injury problems last season disrupted his rhythm, and he has struggled to reclaim his spot. The impressive form of summer signing Jurrien Timber at right-back, combined with the formidable centre-back partnership of William Saliba and Gabriel, has limited White to just four starts this season and a solitary Premier League appearance on the opening day against Manchester United.
Wright-Phillips' Sympathy and Summer Sense
Wright-Phillips expressed his sympathy for the former Brighton star, highlighting the quality he showed before his fitness setback. "I feel quite sorry for Ben because he had an injury, and he was playing so well for Arsenal," Wright-Phillips told Best Betting Sites. "He was unbelievable."
While he believes a January exit is unlikely due to Arsenal's need for squad depth in a title race, the pundit sees a clear logic in a summer switch. "I could see a move for Ben White to Chelsea take place next summer," he stated. "It makes sense, it's possible."
He elaborated that displacing Timber, whom he labelled "the best right-back in the Premier League," would require something extraordinary, effectively blocking White's path back into the starting eleven.
Arsenal's Strength Creates a Dilemma
This situation underscores a challenge for top clubs with deep squads. Arsenal legend Alan Smith, in an exclusive interview, recently noted that players on the fringes, like White, might consider their futures. "When you've got such a strong squad, you will have players who aren't getting regular games," Smith said. "Some of them will be thinking, 'maybe it's time for a move'."
Smith also pointed out the previously strong on-pitch relationship between White and Bukayo Saka, a potent attacking link that Timber has yet to fully replicate. Despite this, the team's current success makes it a difficult decision for any player.
Wright-Phillips concurred on the winter window improbability, stating: "I don't think Arsenal would be willing to sell him in the winter window though, because that squad depth is one of Arsenal's biggest advantages. If Timber is injured, White is the man to come in."
Looking Ahead: Derbies and Dream Signings
The immediate focus for White will be trying to earn minutes in Arsenal's crucial upcoming fixtures, including a huge London derby against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge this Sunday. The Gunners currently sit six points clear at the summit, a lead Chelsea could halve with a victory.
Interestingly, while talking up a move for White, Wright-Phillips named a different defender as his dream signing for Chelsea: Newcastle United's Malick Thiaw. The Germany international, a £34 million signing from AC Milan, has impressed the pundit with his consistent and intelligent performances for Eddie Howe's side.
