Ben White has been a crucial performer for Mikel Arteta at Arsenal since he arrived in 2021.
White has predominantly played as a right-back for Arsenal but Arteta has occasionally tried the Englishman more centrally — something he might consider next season.
Jurrien Timber has been exceptional at right-back whilst White has been injured this term, and it’s hard to imagine that the Dutchman isn’t now Arteta’s first choice.
But it’s similarly difficult to think that White will spend long periods out of the starting eleven — a positive problem for Arteta if you will.
White might question his future at Arsenal should he lose his starting role on a consistent basis, but that is a situation that remains to unfold.
Ben White comments on Kai Havertz’s injury return
That being said, White should start in what remains of the season for Arsenal given that Timber is carrying an injury right now.
And alongside White, Kai Havertz has actually made a surprise return to training — earlier than the club had originally communicated.
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It was expected that the German’s season was over but he has now returned in great shape, a big boost for the Gunners.
And in an interview with the Mirror, White has now shared an exciting message for Arsenal fans after watching Havertz in training since his return.
White said that Havertz had been ‘unbelievable’ immediately after returning — something Arteta must have noticed himself, too.
Originally asked if things might have been different have Havertz stayed fit this season, White replied: “I think you could say that about all the players.
“It’s so funny, he hadn’t trained for months yet came back into the team the other day and was still unbelievable.”
Kai Havertz has a point to prove
Of course, Havertz’s return could be very timely from the point of view that Arsenal are upping their search for a new striker.
Andrea Berta loves Viktor Gyokeres at Sporting CP and the striker is thought to be at the top of the Gunners’ wishlist.
However, Havertz will be aiming to prove that he’s just as good, if not better than a lot of the names who could potentially come in as his replacement.
Havertz could be better than Benjamin Sesko for example, a striker who would cost a lot of money for Arsenal to bring in.
It’s a delicate situation for Arteta to handle and it actually mirrors his predicament with White next season in a lot of ways too.
