Arsenal are hopeful of tying Ben White down to a new contract, football.london understands. The Gunners have opened talks with the England international over fresh terms and it is thought that these are progressing positively.
White has established himself as a mainstay in Mikel Arteta’s side since his £50million arrival in the summer of 2021. Having begun life at the Emirates Stadium as a centre-back, he shifted over to right-back at the beginning of last season where he earned plenty of plaudits for his performances.
White’s current contract does not expire until the summer of 2026, but Edu and Arteta are keen to reward the 25-year-old for his fine recent performances. The move is in keeping with the club’s new proactive approach to contract negotiations.
In the past with players like Aaron Ramsey, Alexis Sanchez and Robin van Persie the Gunners have been guilty of allowing their star names to drift into the final year of deals. This, however, is something the club have been keen to change.
Thus far their new policy has seen them agree new deals with Gabriel, Gabriel Martinelli, Martin Odegaard and Aaron Ramsdale despite all four players having ample time remaining on their existing contracts when the respective talks were opened. “We want to keep our best talent, especially the players that deserve some recognition,” Arteta said of his sides approach to renewals in May.
Arsenal have had a strong recent record when it comes to retaining their top talent. As well as the aforementioned big names the Gunners have been able to secure new contracts for William Saliba, Bukayo Saka and Reiss Nelson within the past year.
It is now hoped that White will be the next name on that illustrious list. “We are always trying to keep the squad in a healthy position in any way, and the club and Edu especially are working on that,” Arteta said when asked about the England defender’s future earlier this month.
Once a deal for White is finalised it is thought that Arsenal will turn their attention to securing the long-term future of White’s competition at right-back Takehiro Tomiyasu. The Japanese international attracted interest from Bayern Munich over the summer, but Arteta has publicly expressed a desire for him to stay in north London.