Arsenal defender signs new long-term contract
- Ben White has committed to his future at Arsenal with a new contract
- The 26-year-old arrived from Brighton in 2021
- Manager Mikel Arteta paid tribute to the defender
Arsenal defender Ben White has signed a new long-term contract with the Gunners.
Arriving from Brighton in the summer of 2021, White's original agreement ran until June 2026. Talks over an extension have been ongoing for months but manager Mikel Arteta has long insisted that a positive resolution was imminent.
After news of White's agreement broke on Wednesday evening, Arsenal have now confirmed White has put pen to paper on a new deal.
"It's great news that Ben is committing his future to the club," said Arteta. "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.
"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."
Sporting director Edu added: "We are so happy to have completed a new long-term contract with Ben. 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."
With White's future now wrapped up, Arsenal are expected to turn their attention to left-back Oleksandr Zinchenko. The 27-year-old's current deal is due to expire in 2026.
White has been an integral member of Arteta's squad, making 39 appearances so far this season across all competitions. He initially began the season as a centre-back, before an injury to right-back Jurrien Timber saw him shifted back out to the right.
The squad are hoping to continue in their upward trajectory when they face fellow title contenders City. They will also learn their Champions League quarter-final opponent on 15 March.
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