Arsenal’s hunt for a Ben White replacement is ramping up, with a shock move for West Ham United star Aaron Wan-Bissaka now a possibility.
White made just 12 Premier League appearances for the Gunners last season, as a result of receiving a number of injury setbacks, and his time at the Emirates Stadium could come to an end this summer.
Mikel Arteta may find it difficult to replace the Englishman, considering he is a versatile option, regularly featuring at both centre-back and right-back since joining from Brighton back in 2021.
However, Wan-Bissaka, who is also very experienced in England, making 233 Premier League appearances, has now emerged as a possible replacement, having previously received major praise from Tottenham Hotspur’s James Maddison.
Maddison said: “AWB is ridiculously good at one-v-one defending. Probably the best in the world bar none. So many wingers run out of ideas when playing directly against him.”
Football FanCast’s Verdict | |
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Credibility | Arsenal have struggled considerably on the injury front in recent times, with Jurrien Timber, William Saliba, Cristhian Mosquera and Gabriel all spending time on the sidelines. As such, they will undoubtedly need to sign a new right-back if White departs. |
Finances | West Ham are looking for just £15m – £20m following their relegation from the Premier League, which means the DR Congo international could be an affordable addition to Arteta’s squad. |
Insight | Unlike White, the 28-year-old isn’t a natural centre-back, almost exclusively featuring on the right throughout his career to date. However, the full-back’s strong defensive attributes mean he could still be a solid signing, with no West Ham player averaging more interceptions per 90 (1.7) in the Premier League last season. |
Impact | With the former Manchester United man relatively inexperienced at the highest level, making just 15 career Champions League appearances, he would likely be regarded as a back-up to Timber. However, should the Gunners compete for all four trophies again next season, Arteta will need to rotate, and he may still have a valuable role to play. |
Arsenal compile list of 11 targets to replace White
According to a report from TEAMtalk, Arsenal have put together a list of 11 possible replacements for White, namely Ezri Konsa, Jules Kounde, Raúl Asensio, Oscar Mingueza, Lutsharel Geertruida, Wesley, Givairo Read, Ivan Fresneda, Tino Livramento, Vanderson and Wan-Bissaka.
The Gunners are firmly considering a shock move for the London-born defender, and there are encouraging signs that a deal could be possible, with West Ham expected to sanction a departure following relegation.
What Bukayo Saka has said about World Cup star Aaron Wan-Bissaka
DR Congo can certainly be proud of their run at the World Cup, Picking up a point against Portugal is nothing to be sniffed at, and they gave England a real fright in the round of 32, before a late double salvo from Harry Kane.
Wan-Bissaka started all four of the African side’s games, averaging 10.1 defensive contributions per 90, which was more than any other DR Congo player.
The level of the right-back’s performances may have been of no surprise to Bukayo Saka, who previously said: “Defending, Wan-Bissaka. I’ve rarely seen him get beaten, so I’d say him. When I played against him, I didn’t find myself a lot in those situations, but I could feel what he wanted to do as I’ve obviously seen him play before. It’s about not going into the trap he sets for you.”
With that in mind, the DR Congo star could be a solid back-up option for Arsenal as they look to compete on all fronts once again next season.
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