Alan Smith says Arsenal’s impressive strength in depth could force Ben White and other fringe players to question their futures at the club.
Signed from Brighton for £50m back in 2021, White was a key member of Mikel Arteta’s squad during his first three seasons at the Emirates Stadium.
White made 133 appearances for Arsenal in that time, impressing at centre-back alongside Gabriel before moving to right-back to make room for William Saliba.
A combination of injuries and competition limited White to just 17 Premier League appearances last season and the 28-year-old has continued to struggle for minutes this season, starting just three games.
Arsenal signed Jurrien Timber from Ajax in 2023 and the Netherlands international is currently Arteta’s preferred option in the right-back position.
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Smith believes players like White may be considering whether it was ‘time for a move’ but insists Arsenal will be desperate to keep the squad in tact as they challenge for trophies domestically and abroad.
‘When you’ve got such a strong squad, you will have players who aren’t getting regular games,’ Smith told Metro on behalf of Best Betting Sites.
‘Some of them will be thinking, “maybe it’s time for a move”, you don’t want to lose them but it’s hard to keep them all happy.
‘It all depends on Ben and how he feels about the situation. He might be thinking he wants to get his fair share of games somewhere but he’s also at a club that’s going places.
‘We’ll have to wait and see on that one, it’s obviously down to the individuals, but Jurrien Timber is getting the nod at the moment.
‘Ben White’s had his injury concerns, but he did have a really good relationship with Bukayo Saka, which maybe Timber hasn’t quite developed just yet.’
Smith also discussed Viktor Gyokeres’ somewhat underwhelming start to life at Arsenal following his £64m summer move from Sporting.
Gyokeres scored almost a goal a game in Portugal but has less impressive numbers so far at Arsenal, netting three in ten.
The Sweden international’s form has even led to speculation Kai Havertz could could straight back into the team once he returns from the treatment room.
‘I think there will probably be matches when Mikel Arteta looks at the opposition and the defence and goes with Havertz,’ Arsenal hero Smith said.
‘He’s a really good talent and obviously offers something different to Gyokeres, who’s an out-and-out centre-forward. So there might be times when Havertz plays and that’s a great option to have.
‘But Gyokeres, I’m a fan of his. He’s not like your archetypal Arsenal striker of recent years. He’s quite direct, forthright in the way that he plays.
‘He’s very strong. He’s very quick over five yards or so. I think he’s been a good signing, and he will be going forward. I’m sure he will get his fair share of goals.
‘Maybe technically, he’s not on the level of some of those attacking players. But I think he brings something different from what they’ve had. So the fans should keep faith.’
Smith’s former club Arsenal, currently sitting top, return to Premier League action on Saturday against London rivals Fulham.
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