Alan Smith says Arsenal’s impressive strength in depth could force Ben White and other fringe players to query their futures on 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 on the Emirates Stadium.
White made 133 appearances for Arsenal in that point, impressing at centre-back alongside Gabriel before moving to right-back to make room for William Saliba.
A mix of injuries and competition limited White to simply 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 within the right-back position.
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Smith believes players like White could also be considering whether it was ‘time for a move’ but insists Arsenal can be eager to keep the squad in tact as they challenge for trophies domestically and abroad.
‘If you’ve got such a powerful squad, you should have players who aren’t getting regular games,’ Smith told Metro on behalf of Best Betting Sites.
‘A few of them can be pondering, “perhaps it’s time for a move”, you don’t wish to lose them nevertheless it’s hard to maintain all of them glad.
‘All of it is dependent upon Ben and the way he feels concerning the situation. He is likely to be pondering he desires to get his justifiable share of games somewhere but he’s also at a club that’s going places.
‘We’ll should wait and see on that one, it’s obviously right down to the individuals, but Jurrien Timber is getting the nod in the meanwhile.
‘Ben White’s had his injury concerns, but he did have a very good relationship with Bukayo Saka, which perhaps Timber hasn’t quite developed just yet.’
Smith also discussed Viktor Gyokeres’ somewhat underwhelming begin 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 to date 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 feel there’ll probably be matches when Mikel Arteta looks on the opposition and the defence and goes with Havertz,’ Arsenal hero Smith said.
‘He’s a very good talent and clearly offers something different to Gyokeres, who’s an out-and-out centre-forward. So there is likely to be times when Havertz plays and that’s a fantastic choice 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 in which that he plays.
‘He’s very strong. He’s very quick over five yards or so. I feel he’s been signing, and he can be going forward. I’m sure he’ll get his justifiable share of goals.
‘Perhaps technically, he’s not on the extent of a few of those attacking players. But I feel 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 motion on Saturday against London rivals Fulham.
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