Arsenal target Oscar Mingueza on a free as Ben White's future remains uncertain

Arsenal are monitoring Celta Vigo right-back Oscar Mingueza as a potential free transfer this summer, with the Spain international’s contract set to expire at the end of June, according to Spanish outlet AS.

The 27-year-old, who came through Barcelona’s La Masia academy, is expected to leave the LaLiga club after four years. Aston Villa, Juventus and Newcastle are also tracking Mingueza, meaning Arsenal face competition if they decide to move formally.

The interest in a free agent reflects uncertainty over Ben White’s future at the Emirates, with other Premier League clubs reported to be monitoring the England international. Newcastle’s Tino Livramento had been considered an alternative option earlier in the window, but persistent fitness problems have forced Mikel Arteta’s recruitment team to look elsewhere.

Arteta is understood to be personally involved in the search for a new right-back, a position the club views as a priority area of reinforcement ahead of next season. The prospect of signing Mingueza on a free transfer would allow Arsenal to avoid a significant outlay at a time when they are also managing squad turnover more broadly.

The Arsenal head coach has spoken at length this season about the importance of squad depth, most recently after the club’s 1-0 aggregate win over Sporting Lisbon in the Champions League quarter-finals. “It’s been the story of the season, how important the finishers have been for us, to achieve what we want,” Arteta said. “Gabi [Martinelli] came on and made a huge impact; Kai [Havertz] the same; Max [Dowman] the same. So we really need that, and we’re really happy with that.”

Arsenal are aiming to build a squad capable of challenging for the Premier League title next season, and Arteta has made clear that standing still is not an option as rival clubs strengthen their own rosters.