Report: Man City eyeing shock move to sign ‘forgotten’ Arsenal star | OneFootball

Man City Interested in Shock Move for Arsenal Star

Manchester City monitoring an unsettled Arsenal defender in the middle of a title race would normally be dismissed as noise, but the story surrounding Ben White has gained genuine traction. TeamTalk’s reporting outlines a complicated dynamic, one shaped by form, fitness and a tactical reshuffle under Mikel Arteta that has pushed the forgotten man to the margins.

Graeme Bailey’s comments frame the situation clearly. He said, “Ben White, from what I’m told, he is on board,” before adding that “there is a source of frustration there, he isn’t going to spend the rest of his career sat on the bench.” For a player who was a central figure in Arsenal’s back line for two seasons, this is a significant shift.

White’s Role Under Pressure

Jurrien Timber has returned from injury with authority and, as the report states, he is now viewed as the number one right back. White has made only six appearances this season, with just one Premier League start. That is a reduced contribution for someone who played a crucial part in Arsenal’s defensive rebuild.

Bailey noted that White “is not one who really wants to go abroad, or not to Saudi at least.” That stance immediately elevates interest from English clubs, and one line from the original article stands out. Manchester City “think he could be a very good fit” and that “he’d probably suit their system so it makes sense.”

Photo: IMAGO

From a tactical perspective, that argument carries weight. City have consistently valued defenders who can operate as auxiliary midfielders, step into central zones and maintain possession under pressure. White fits that profile.

Market Forces Driving the Conversation

Arsenal will not make a hasty decision. As Bailey referenced, “Arsenal are not going to mess around with this squad,” pointing to previous caution with players like Jakub Kiwior. The club know they are building toward sustained title contention, so any departure would need to be on their terms and at the right time.

Yet the market is watching closely. Atletico Madrid and Juventus are assessing the situation, with other European clubs aware that White’s profile is rarely available. Bailey added, “He’s not banging to get released but there are clubs assessing it,” which captures the current tension.

City’s interest becomes particularly notable because both clubs are navigating a tight title race. Arsenal sit four points clear, and any transfer between the sides would have immediate competitive implications.

Potential Summer Storyline

This increasingly looks like a summer decision. Bailey concluded, “I think it’s one for the summer,” and that timing aligns with Arsenal’s broader squad evolution. White is aware of the situation, he remains professional, but the expectation of regular football is non negotiable.

If City decide to formalise their admiration, Arsenal will face a significant test. Releasing a starting level defender to a direct rival would be a major call, and much would depend on White’s stance and the fee involved.

Our View – EPL Index Analysis

From a Manchester City perspective, this story will raise eyebrows for more than one reason. City supporters will question whether the reported admiration is tactical appreciation or simply opportunistic speculation based on a player losing his place. White has been solid for Arsenal but not transformative, and City fans would argue that their recruitment usually targets elite tier individuals who reshape systems, not squad depth.

There would also be natural suspicion about Arsenal selling to a rival. When a club that sits four points clear in the title race is linked with offloading a defender to the side chasing them, many City fans will wonder whether the story is fuelled more by external noise than internal intention. They would expect Arsenal to protect their position.

City followers will point out that their club already have flexible defensive options and that buying from a rival can drive inflated prices. Some might question whether White genuinely upgrades their starting eleven or simply reinforces depth.

Overall, a City fan would view the situation as interesting but far from decisive, and they would likely conclude that there are better value targets across Europe if the club do pursue a right sided defender.