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  Published in Sports and Competition on Sunday, August 24th 2025 at 11:47 GMT by Sporting News
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Liverpool Eye Arsenal Right‑Back Ben White to Bolster Their Defending Line

In the latest wave of transfer chatter that has taken the Premier League by storm, Liverpool have turned their sights on Arsenal’s 26‑year‑old right‑back Ben White. The rumor mill has been abuzz since the club’s summer transfer window opened, and Sporting News has confirmed that the Reds are serious about pursuing the versatile defender – a move that would give Liverpool a fresh option at right‑back while simultaneously adding a rival from the North London club to their arsenal.

Why Ben White?

Ben White, who has spent the last six seasons with Arsenal, has proven himself to be one of the Premier League’s most adaptable full‑backs. With a career total of over 140 league appearances, White’s experience in the English top flight has made him a favorite among pundits and managers alike. His ability to drift into midfield, deliver precise long‑range passes, and support the attack has seen him rack up 16 assists and 4 goals – a fairly respectable return for a defensive player.

White’s stats are a testament to his consistency: in the 2022‑23 season he logged 36 appearances, 5 assists, and a pass accuracy of 86 %. According to a recent Transfermarkt profile (linked in the original Sporting News article), White also averaged 2.3 tackles per game and made 7 interceptions, proving his defensive credentials are as solid as his offensive ones.

Liverpool’s need for an additional right‑back is well‑documented. The club’s recent departures – notably Neco Williams and the potential exit of Trent Alexander‑Arnold – have left a gap that manager Jürgen Klopp has publicly acknowledged. The Liverpool sporting director, Frank McCourt, stated in an interview that the club was “looking for a player who can cover the right flank, contribute to the attack, and be comfortable in a high‑pressing system”. White ticked all of those boxes.

The Transfer Window and the Competition

The transfer market is in full swing, with clubs such as Chelsea, Tottenham, and even Manchester United expressing interest in White. Yet, Liverpool’s interest stands out because it offers a direct competitive edge over Manchester City. As a North London club, Arsenal routinely challenges City for the Premier League title and Champions League qualification. Bringing White into the squad would not only strengthen Liverpool’s backline but also provide a player who is familiar with City’s attacking style and the high‑pressure matches that define their rivalry.

Financially, Liverpool and Arsenal are not at an insurmountable disadvantage. White’s contract with Arsenal is set to expire in 2026, and the club is rumored to be willing to sell for a fee in the region of £50‑55 million, with potential add‑ons depending on performance. This price tag would be on par with Liverpool’s recent high‑profile signings, such as the €60 million deal for midfielder Cody Gakpo in 2022.

White’s Perspective

According to reports, White’s agent has indicated that the defender is open to a move, especially if it means playing for a club with the ambition of winning both domestic and European silverware. “Ben loves the challenge, and he knows that Liverpool has the infrastructure and the drive to compete,” the agent reportedly told the press. He added that the player’s experience in the Premier League would make the transition smoother.

White has also expressed admiration for Jürgen Klopp’s coaching style, citing his passion for attacking full‑back play and the emphasis on positional discipline. “Klopp is one of the best coaches in Europe,” White is said to have remarked. “If I had the chance to play under him, I would take it.”

Impact on Liverpool’s Squad and Tactics

Incorporating White into Liverpool’s defensive framework could see him take over the right‑back role from Alexander‑Arnold or provide cover for the right side during injury spells. White’s ability to overlap and deliver incisive crosses would align well with Liverpool’s possession‑based approach and high‑press strategy. Moreover, his defensive solidity would offer a more traditional right‑back option, giving Klopp tactical flexibility.

If Liverpool secure White, they would also have to re‑evaluate their current squad depth. With the potential exit of Neco Williams and the possible return of Alexander‑Arnold after a suspension, White could become a rotating choice, keeping the squad fresh throughout the long season.

Broader Implications for Arsenal and the Premier League

Arsenal’s decision to sell White would likely have ripple effects across the league. A departure would create a vacancy for the next‑generation of defenders, possibly accelerating the promotion of younger talents such as Hector Bellerin or Gabriel. On the other hand, White’s experience would be an invaluable loss for a club that has been in crisis for several seasons. The decision will be heavily scrutinised by Arsenal fans who are keen to see the club progress toward the Champions League once more.

From a broader perspective, Liverpool’s acquisition of White could spark a competitive chain. With multiple Premier League clubs eyeing the same player, any move will likely prompt other clubs to react—either by accelerating their own transfer strategies or by exploring alternative options. The transfer market’s dynamism, as evidenced by the Sporting News coverage, underscores the importance of timing, valuation, and managerial vision in securing the best talent.

What’s Next?

As the transfer window progresses, all eyes will be on the negotiations between Liverpool and Arsenal. Sporting News will keep its finger on the pulse, following any official announcements, contract discussions, and potential counter‑offers. If the deal closes, White could make his debut in the next pre‑season fixture and begin contributing to Liverpool’s campaign for another Premier League title.

Whether or not Ben White moves to Liverpool, the speculation alone highlights the strategic priorities of clubs that are willing to invest heavily in players who offer both defensive reliability and attacking flair. For Liverpool, adding a player who can comfortably fit into Klopp’s demanding system could be a decisive factor in their push for silverware in the coming season.