Injury clouds Ben White's Arsenal exit as clubs weigh offers

On a rainy training ground at the Emirates, Arsenal defender Ben White limped off after a routine drill, his knee still bearing the weight of a medial ligament injury confirmed in May. Despite interest from Everton and Crystal Palace, the injury clouds his summer exit prospects.

Gary Jacob wrote for The Times that White’s future is “clouded by injury”, emphasizing how the defender’s knee problem is shaping club negotiations. Jacob also noted last month that White was “unlikely to take a drop in level” this summer.

During the final months of the 2025/26 season, speculation grew that White might depart Arsenal in the summer. As July approaches, the certainty surrounding his fate has waned, with clubs reassessing their options.

A Premier League side prepared to meet a substantial fee for a fully‑fit White may now reconsider or lower its bid because of the lingering knee issue. The medical setback therefore acts as a bargaining lever for Arsenal.

Arsenal disclosed in May that the defender suffered a significant medial knee ligament injury and that the club aims to have him ready for pre‑season preparations later this year. Should White return to training, interested clubs could firm up their proposals.

If Arsenal receives offers before White’s full recovery, they may not align with the club’s valuation, and White’s reluctance to drop to a lower‑level team further narrows possibilities. Consequently, the market expects the defender to remain at Arsenal, at least for the immediate future.