07 March 2024 , 04:00
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Arsenal are desperate to end their 20-year wait and become Premier League champions once again this season - but there's more to the Gunners' ambitions than the here and now.
Thanks to a phenomenal run of form since their mid-season break, winning seven league games in a row, the Gunners are just two points off the top and boast the best goal difference in an enthralling three-way title race between themselves, Liverpool and Manchester City.
Mikel Arteta looks stronger than ever at the helm and alongside Arsenal technical director Edu Gaspar, the Spaniard is ensuring that there's also a bright future for the North Londoners.
The Gunners hierarchy have continuously handed out new contracts to important members of the squad over the past three years and there's now set to be a first renewal of 2024 - with a second to follow. Here's a round-up of the latest news from the Emirates.
Tomiyasu agrees new contract
Arsenal defender Takehiro Tomiyasu has agreed to double his money by signing a new four-year contract with the club. Tomiyasu, 25, joined the Gunners from Italian side Bologna in the summer of 2021 and has impressed in a variety of roles across the back four, earning him a new deal.
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According to the Sun, the Japan international will take his earnings from £50,000 per week to £100,000, signalling how highly Arteta rates him. Tomiyasu is yet to feature for Arsenal in 2024, having suffered an injury during Japan's unsuccessful Asian Cup campaign last month.
Takehiro Tomiyasu has been handed a new contract (Stuart MacFarlane/Arsenal FC via Getty Images)White deal close
Ben White is set to follow teammate Tomiyasu in signing a new deal with Arsenal, as Edu and Arteta have long been keen to tie down his services. Despite already having a contract until the summer of 2026, the Gunners want to extend the 26-year-old defender's stay after signing him from Brighton in a £50million deal three years ago.
The aforementioned report explains that both parties are close to a full agreement, with White's performances at right-back making him a vital member of Arteta's squad. The right-back scored a rare goal during Monday's record-breaking 6-0 win away to Sheffield United, cutting inside on his left foot and unleashing a sizzling strike.
Your turn! Which player should Arsenal hand a new contract to next? Let us know your pick in the comments section.
Ben White is also in line for a new deal at Arsenal (Stuart MacFarlane/Arsenal FC via Getty Images)Guendouzi sends Arteta message
Ex-Arsenal midfielder Matteo Guendouzi says that he wishes former manager Arteta "the best," despite rumours of a fractured relationship between the pair. Guendouzi, 24, initially left the Emirates on loan in 2020 and never played under Arteta again.
Now playing for Lazio, the France international has no regrets over his decision to leave Arsenal and had kind words to say about his old team and boss. Speaking to the Athletic ahead of Lazio's Champions League last-16 exit to Bayern Munich, Guendouzi explained: "For me, it was a very good club because I played a lot.
"Arteta is doing a very good job at Arsenal, they are fighting for the title, they are a very good team and he's doing amazing things. I hope they will get a trophy because Arsenal is a big club. I wish the best for them."