Arsenal may have just found their Ben White replacement, he’s even more versatile

Arsenal star Ben White’s future is up in the air.

The England international became the Gunners’ most-expensive defender of all time when he joined them from Brighton in 2021.

White was a regular starter under Mikel Arteta in his first few years at the club, but injury issues and Jurrien Timber’s brilliance have pushed him down the pecking order.

Reports have claimed that Arsenal are open to selling White in 2026, and they may have found a potential replacement now – Zeki Celik.

Arsenal are interested in signing Zeki Celik

Celik has been a popular name in Europe for a few years now.

The Turk made a great name for himself at Lille, where he had a fine debut campaign playing behind former Arsenal star Nicolas Pepe.

After four good years in France, Celik moved to AS Roma in Italy, and his future is now uncertain as he is about to enter the final six months of his contract.

Rudy Galletti has revealed on X that Premier League clubs like Arsenal, Liverpool, Manchester United, Chelsea and Manchester City have all approached Celik with a view to signing him next year.

The 28-year-old’s primary position is right-back, but he has played across the backline and also as a right-midfielder over the years.

That makes him even more versatile than White, who has only played at right-back and centre-half for Arsenal since he joined them in 2021.

Arteta loves players who can play in multiple positions, and that is perhaps why Celik has emerged as a target for the North Londoners.

However, it remains to be seen if Arsenal will actually make a move to sign him.

Arsenal’s priority should not be Zeki Celik

Celik is a good player and is more than capable of playing a backup role at Arsenal.

The Turk has bags of experience under his belt, having played over 400 games for club and country, and his versatility is an added asset as well.

However, the priority for Arsenal should not be Celik; it should be to convince Ben White to stay at the club beyond next summer’s transfer window.

On his day, the former Brighton man is one of the best right-backs in world football. Injuries have been an issue, but he has been fit for some time now, which is good news.

Yes, White will have to play as a second-choice at Arsenal, but considering that the Gunners play over 50 games a season, he will get opportunities.

Arteta should use that argument to keep him at the club because it will cost a fortune to sign another player like White.