Everton Chase Arsenal's Ben White to Solve Right-Back Crisis

Everton have set their sights on Arsenal's Ben White in a bid to plug what has become an increasingly glaring hole in their defensive ranks.

The Merseyside outfit are keeping close watch on the 28-year-old, with David Moyes reportedly open to striking a deal this month as he looks to remedy what has been described as a problematic right-back situation at Goodison Park.

White, who arrived at the Emirates for £50 million in July 2021, initially operated as a centre-back before transitioning to right-back from the 2022/23 campaign onwards. His reliability and fitness record made him a cornerstone of Mikel Arteta's defence—until recent seasons saw him slip behind Jurrien Timber in the pecking order whilst battling injury troubles.

Yet Arsenal remain unlikely to entertain any departure. The defender is contracted until 2028, with a further year's option on the table, meaning Arteta's side show little appetite for a winter sale.

Everton's desperation at right-back is palpable. Captain Seamus Coleman is currently sidelined, leaving Moyes to shuffle between Nathan Patterson and centre-back Jake O'Brien as makeshift alternatives. It is, by any measure, a precarious situation.

The Toffees have also cast their net towards Leeds United's Jayden Bogle, though the 21-year-old has made clear his reluctance to quit Elland Road this month.

Moyes Fumes After Cup Exit

Moyes' search for reinforcements comes on the back of Saturday's FA Cup disappointment, when Everton crashed out at home to fellow Premier League side Sunderland in a penalty shootout. The Toffees failed to convert any of their three attempts from the spot, whilst the Black Cats dispatched all three.

The Everton boss was visibly frustrated by the manner of defeat, suggesting his side had fallen short in how they approached the crucial moments.

"I don't think you blame anybody when you lose a penalty shootout," Moyes reflected. "It's something that can happen, the goalkeeper is there to make saves. But I think there is a way to lose if you're going to do that. I felt as if we didn't look the right way about it and that's why we have all walked away with huge disappointment."

He continued: "We did a great job to get back in the game and get ourselves level with what was available. But when we get to that point, you're hoping to go on and show it and it was poor.

"Someone has to win a penalty shootout and someone has to lose it but I do think there is a way to win it and a way to lose it. I didn't think the way we lost it today was the right way in the taking of it."