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Sun 24 May

Everton given unexpected chance to land Premier League double-winner

Gary GowersGary Gowers
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  • Everton could have an unexpected opportunity to sign Ben White.
  • The Arsenal defender appears increasingly vulnerable to a summer exit.
  • Moyes should seriously consider pursuing experienced England international.

Opportunities to sign proven Premier League winners do not come around often for Everton.

That is why fresh reports surrounding Ben White’s future at Arsenal should immediately catch the attention of David Moyes and Everton’s recruitment team.

According to reports, White’s long-term future at the Emirates Stadium is far from certain, with the England international facing increasing competition for places and Arsenal potentially willing to listen to offers this summer.

If that proves to be the case, Everton would be wise to explore the possibility.

White may not be the glamorous attacking signing that dominates social media chat, but he possesses many of the qualities that have defined successful Moyes teams over the years.

The 28-year-old is reliable, versatile, experienced and proven at the highest level.

Having spent time as both a centre-back and right-back during his career, White would provide Moyes with valuable tactical flexibility. Few defenders in the Premier League are as comfortable operating across multiple positions, and that adaptability could prove invaluable over the course of a long campaign.

Everton’s defensive record improved significantly following Moyes’ return, but there remains room for further strengthening.

Jake O’Brien enjoyed an impressive season, while James Tarkowski continues to provide leadership and experience. However, the prospect of adding a player who has spent the past five years competing at the top end of the Premier League would be difficult to ignore.

White has been part of an Arsenal side that has consistently challenged for major honours and collected silverware during one of the most successful periods of Mikel Arteta’s tenure. That experience cannot be underestimated.

Perhaps most importantly, White appears perfectly suited to the direction Everton are trying to travel.

The Blues are no longer searching for short-term fixes or bargain-bin solutions. Under TFG, the focus appears to be shifting towards players capable of helping establish Everton as a consistent top-half side and, eventually, European challengers.

White fits that profile.

While questions would inevitably remain regarding the finances required to complete any deal, Everton are now operating from a position of greater stability than at any point in recent years. The move to the Hill Dickinson and growing optimism around the club make ambitious signings increasingly realistic.

Of course, any transfer remains speculative at this stage.

Arsenal may decide to retain White, while other clubs could enter the race if he becomes available.

But if the reports are accurate and the door is genuinely opening on White’s Arsenal career, Everton should be among the first clubs testing whether a deal can be done. Players with his quality, experience and versatility are rarely attainable.

And if Everton are serious about accelerating their progress under Moyes, this is exactly the type of opportunity they should be exploring.

matchday.

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Gary is editor for ReadMotorsport, ReadNorwich, and ReadEverton. He has many years experience of sports writing behind him after deciding (belatedly) that the world of accountancy wasn't for him. His work has been featured on (among many others) BBC Sport and The Metro. He has written on many sports, but considers himself an expert in football and F1. When not writing and editing he likes to go to the cinema and sip a lovely cold pint of Guinness (not always at the same time).

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