Arsenal defender Ben White has signed a new long-term contract with the Gunners.
The former Brighton & Hove Albion man has enjoyed a successful transition to a right-back role since joining the club in 2021 and is often hailed as one of Mikel Arteta's most consistent performers.
White has produced four goals and nine assists in 122 matches for the Gunners, and after playing all 38 Premier League games in the 2022-23 campaign, he has only missed one top-flight fixture this time around.
From 27 Premier League matches in 2023-24, the 26-year-old has managed two goals and four assists, netting Arsenal's 10,000th competitive strike in their 6-0 demolition of Sheffield United before setting up Declan Rice and Kai Havertz's headers in last weekend's 2-1 beating of Brentford.
The England international's previous deal was due to run until 2026, but Arteta and sporting director Edu made it a priority to tie White down to a new-and-improved contract to reflect his importance to the team.
Benjamin White, as told by his team-mates ❤️ pic.twitter.com/2O3pcUJu70
— Arsenal (@Arsenal) March 14, 2024
"It's great news that Ben is committing his future to the club. Ben is a key player for us, a top professional with a winning mentality, and one of the guys who leads by example every day," Arteta told the official Arsenal website.
"Ben's ability, determination and positive attitude are so important, but he is also a great character and human being. We all look forward to continue working with Ben in the coming years."
Arsenal had reportedly been in discussions with White's representatives for several months before striking a deal with the 26-year-old, who is the latest in a long line of key Gunners players to extend their terms.
Gabriel Martinelli, Bukayo Saka, Martin Odegaard, Gabriel Magalhaes, William Saliba have also penned new deals since the start of last season, as have second-choice goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale and fringe winger Reiss Nelson.
Sporting director Edu talked up the "high quality" of White's "contribution and commitment" to the club over the past three years, adding: "We are so happy to have completed a new long-term contract with Ben.
© Reuters
"Since Ben joined us, his contribution and commitment have been of such high quality. Our supporters love him, we love him and we look forward to enjoying Ben's performances with us for years to come."
White's performances in an Arsenal shirt saw him named in Gareth Southgate's England squad for the 2022 World Cup, although he has not made another Three Lions selection since leaving the Qatar camp for personal reasons.
Following confirmation of White's extension, the Gunners are now expected to wrap up a renewal for the 26-year-old's fellow full-back Takehiro Tomiyasu, while talks with Jorginho are also set to begin in the near future.
The ex-Chelsea man's current deal runs until the summer with the option of an additional 12 months, but Arsenal are believed to be keen to agree a fresh contract with Jorginho rather than triggering his extension.
Arsenal sit top of the Premier League table with 10 games to go, above Liverpool on goal difference and one point clear of Manchester City, whom they face at the Etihad on March 31 following the international break.
Ben Knapton
