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Published May 13, 2026, 5:41 PM GMT+1
Ben is an experienced sports writer and editor, graduating with a Master’s in Sports Journalism in 2017.
Ben counts experience with publications like The Liverpool Echo and The Lincolnshire Echo. He has covered various sports, from American football to Mixed Martial Arts, but his primary passion is football reporting.
Since joining Football FanCast in 2018, starting out as a freelance writer covering nearly every team in the English football ladder, Ben has progressed through the ranks. He now leads the publication’s news team as a senior editor.
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Arsenal defender Ben White will not require knee surgery - but remains set to miss England’s World Cup campaign.
The Gunners confirmed on Tuesday that White had suffered a “significant medial knee ligament injury” during their 1-0 win at West Ham on Sunday.
White will be absent for Arsenal’s final three matches, which could see them complete a Premier League and Champions League double.
However, the Press Association understands the injury-hit defender will not need an operation on his right knee.
The news will come as a welcome boost to both White and Arsenal, who are thought to be hopeful the defender could return for the club’s pre-season plans.
But the injury is expected to end 28-year-old White’s World Cup prospects after he recently called time on his four-year international exile with appearances in England’s last matches against Uruguay and Japan. Thomas Tuchel is due to name his World Cup squad in just 12 days’ time, with England’s first game against Croatia taking place on June 17.
White’s Arsenal absence will provide Mikel Arteta with a selection headache at right-back for their pivotal games against Burnley and Crystal Palace - as they bid to end their 22-year wait for the league title - and this month’s Champions League final against Paris St Germain, with Jurrien Timber also sidelined.
Timber has been absent for two months with a groin problem, and it is unclear if he will be able to play a part in the run-in. Cristhian Mosquera would be expected to deputise, while Declan Rice has also operated as an emergency right-back this season.
Arteta is once again expected to strengthen his defence in the summer transfer market, and the manager will also look for new options in attack, with the Gunners looking blunt in front of goal at times down the stretch.
The top target appears to be Julian Alvarez, who the Gunners have been watching for months, with reports this week suggesting talks have been held over a move to North London.
Speaking on his personal Youtube channel, Fabrizio Romano confirmed there is interest from the Premier League in the Atletico Madrid striker, and also revealed he is Barcelona's "dream" signing.
"All doors are open," says Romano, with the player set to decide where he wants to play in the coming weeks and a new contract with Atletico "not close" despite reports suggesting otherwise.
That looks to be a big boost for Andrea Berta, who also holds an advantage over Barca as the move will be "very very expensive", with the La Liga giants' perilous financial situation set to cause problems.
This could create a clear path for English sides to swoop in, with Arteta's spend as Arsenal manager set to surpass £1bn with a move for the Argentine.
|
Rank |
Player |
Year |
Signed from |
Fee |
|
Declan Rice |
2023 |
West Ham |
||
|
Nicolas Pepe |
2019 |
Lille |
||
|
Eberechi Eze |
2025 |
Crystal Palace |
||
|
Kai Havertz |
2023 |
Chelsea |
||
|
Viktor Gyokeres |
2025 |
Sporting CP |
||
|
Martin Zubimendi |
2025 |
Real Sociedad |
||
|
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang |
2018 |
Borussia Dortmund |
||
|
Noni Madueke |
2025 |
Chelsea |
||
|
Ben White |
2022 |
Brighton |
||
|
Alexandre Lacazette |
2017 |
Lyon |
The 26 year-old Alvarez has scored 18 goals between the Champions League and La Liga this season.
Read next - why Alvarez could be even better than Bukayo Saka at Arsenal.
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