Mikel Arteta could trial Ben White in midfield role against Nurnberg with Arsenal defender tipped to change positions

Arsenal head coach Mikel Arteta has been tipped to convert Ben White into a midfielder this season – and he could get the chance to trial the change for the first time next week.

Arsenal's players who were not involved in the June internationals returned to the club earlier this week to begin their pre-season preparations.

The likes of Gabriel Jesus, Gabriel Martinelli, Oleksandr Zinchenko, William Saliba and White were put through their paces at Arsenal's training centre in London Colney.

Arsenal play their first warm-up game against German side Nurnberg next Thursday at the Max-Morlock-Stadion in Nuremberg.

Arteta could field an experimental side in the match, which may include White moving to an unfamiliar midfield role.

White tipped to change positions for Arsenal

talkSPORT reporter Alex Crook claims White could move position to make way for Jurrien Timber, with Arsenal close to signing the right-back from Ajax.

"I'm interested to see what happens with Ben White because we know they're going to bring in Jurrien Timber, that's going to be as a straight right-back," said Crook, as reported by TBR.

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"Ben White probably won’t get a centre-back position because of the partnership of Gabriel and William Saliba, who's set to sign a new contract.

"I think he might move up to a sort of John Stones midfield role, I wouldn't rule that out. So, he might well be the holding midfielder and that will enable Declan Rice to go further forward."

According to football.london, winger Leandro Trossard could also be in for a role change when Arsenal take on Nurnberg.

It is said that the Belgium international could feature in a central attacking midfield role, particularly due to the expected absence of Odegaard and new signing Kai Havertz.

Trossard, a versatile player who can play on both flanks and as a central striker if required, would likely be competing with Emile Smith Rowe to take the attacking midfield role against Nurnberg.

After their pre-season preparations, Arsenal will face Manchester City in the Community Shield on August 6 before playing their opening Premier League game against Nottingham Forest at the Emirates on June 12.