Mikel Arteta, the manager of Arsenal, is aware that a club that is vying for a championship must have competition for spots.

The Gunners, who have now placed second to Manchester City in each of the last two seasons, spent over £100 million during the summer window trying to fill in the gaps on a team that could win the title.

Arteta is also conscious that he will need to demonstrate his ruthlessness in selecting his starting lineup and incorporating his new acquisitions.

Ben White fighting for his Arsenal future, according to one report

Arsenal defender Ben White (Image credit: Alex Burstow/Arsenal FC via Getty Images)

One player who finds his place in the Gunners starting under threat following the summer transfer window is defender Ben White.

The signing of Italy international Riccardo Calafiori has added another elite option to what was already the Premier League’s best defence and the former Bologna man’s impressive early performances have seen him stake his claim for a place in Arteta’s best back-four.

Riccardo Calafiori and Jurrien Timber have both started well for Arsenal this season (Image credit: Alex Burstow/Arsenal FC via Getty Images)

According to the Mirror, it is White whose place is most under threat for the Italian, as they claim there is ‘a battle looming’ between the pair for the final spot in the Gunners back line.

William Saliba and Gabriel’s superb partnership at centre-back means they are among the first names on Arteta’s teamsheet, while Jurrien Timber has recovered from last season’s injury hell to cement his place in the line-up.