Arsenal's 'Champions League final fighter' closes in on Arteta contract reward
Arsenal defender Ben White is edging closer to penning a contract extension at the Emirates, which would make him the latest Gunner to commit his long-term future to the club.
Mikel Arteta has overseen a complete transformation of the north Londoners since his appointment in 2019 and the latest phase of his project appears to be tying the best young talent to the club. Within the last 12 months, William Saliba, Gabriel Martinelli, Gabriel Magalhaes, Bukayo Saka and Martin Odegaard have all signed extensions.
White is one of the more unsung heroes at Arsenal, but is rarely guilty of anything less than a seven out of 10 display most weeks. Signed as a centre-back, the former Brighton ace spent his first season at the club in the heart of the Gunners defence.
However, upon Saliba's return from a loan spell at Marseille, White was shifted out to right-back and to the surprise of many, flourished in the role. Making the position his own, the England international ousted Takehiro Tomiyasu, who had been expected to be the first-choice.
The 26-year-old White signed from the Seagulls in 2021 for £50million, penning a deal that would keep him tied to the club until the summer of 2026. However, such is Arteta's desire to keep the versatile defender at the club, the Gunners hierarchy are keen on ensuring White agrees an extension.
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Talks are progressing well between both player and club according to reports. White has no desire to head for the Emirates exit any time soon and Arteta has previously waxed lyrical about his attitude.
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Ben White is believed to be the next Arsenal player expected to sign a new dealThe Spaniard described White as "brave", "really talented" and a "fighter" in the recent Amazon 'All or Nothing' series centred around the club. "He trains like he's playing the Champions League final," Arteta added.
"That's why he's come a long way in such a short time in his career, Ben has the capacity to play in different positions and that’s a big plus for any player."
White has undeniably had to endure his fair share of doubters during his Arsenal stay and many feel that the presence of Jurrien Timber, currently injured but due back at the turn of the year, could have hindered the defender's long-term future with the Gunners. Arteta is believed to be keeping tabs on another defender ahead of the January window amid links with Valencia wonderkid Yarek Gasiorowski.
The highly-sought teenager has made four league appearances for the La Liga outfit already this term. It is unlikely that if he was to sign, that would scupper White's game time, but instead simply be a potential heir for one of the four spaces in an Arsenal defence performing so well so far this term.
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