Arsenal identify Fresneda and Livramento as potential Ben White replacements
Arsenal are preparing for the potential departure of defender Ben White this summer and have identified Sporting CP's Ivan Fresneda and Newcastle United's Valentino Livramento as primary replacement targets, according to a report from The Sun. The club's sporting director, Andrea Berta, is said to be driving the search as White's future at the Emirates Stadium becomes increasingly uncertain.
White, who joined Arsenal from Brighton & Hove Albion for £50 million in 2021, has reportedly grown frustrated with his reduced role this season. The 28-year-old England international has been limited to just nine Premier League starts, having been overtaken in the pecking order by summer signing Jurrien Timber. Sources indicate Arsenal have reluctantly opened the door to a sale, a significant shift given White's 185 appearances for the club.
The report states Arsenal have tracked the progress of Ivan Fresneda for several years, dating back to 2023, and have been impressed by his development in Portugal. The 21-year-old Spanish right-back moved to Sporting from Real Valladolid and has a release clause set at €80 million (approximately £70 million). However, Arsenal officials believe a deal could be struck for a lower fee. Fresneda is viewed as a dynamic, modern full-back who fits the profile sought by manager Mikel Arteta.
Valentino Livramento represents a more established, and expensive, Premier League alternative. The 23-year-old Newcastle defender is valued at around £70 million by his club, a fee that would shatter the existing record for a full-back. Arsenal's interest is complicated by reported competition from Manchester City and Chelsea, as well as the sensitivity of dealing with a direct league rival. Newcastle's own financial pressures, which may force a summer of high-profile sales, could facilitate a move.
Arsenal's shortlist is understood to extend beyond these two names, with Celta Vigo's Oscar Mingueza, who will be a free agent, Roma's Wesley Franca, Monaco's Vanderson, and Eintracht Frankfurt's Nnamdi Collins also under consideration. The overhaul in the right-back department is part of a broader summer strategy that is also expected to see forward Gabriel Jesus depart, with Berta actively identifying replacements in that position as well.
The potential acquisition of either Fresneda or Livramento would signal a clear intent to refresh Arsenal's defensive options with a younger, more attack-minded player. For White, a move would offer the regular first-team football he currently lacks, with Newcastle previously linked with an interest in the defender. Any deal involving Livramento, in particular, would have significant ramifications for the Premier League landscape, weakening one rival while strengthening Arsenal's squad depth ahead of another title challenge.
