Arsenal defender Ben White has expressed his strong desire to extend his contract with the club, indicating his intention to stay at the Emirates Stadium for the long term.
White, who initially made a mark as a central player before excelling as a right-back since joining Arsenal in 2021 from Brighton & Hove Albion, has received widespread acclaim for his consistent performances.
During Arsenal’s successful 2022-23 title campaign, White played a pivotal role, starting in all 36 Premier League games and contributing with two goals and five assists. In the current 2023-24 season, he has continued his impressive form, scoring his first goal in a 4-0 victory against Bournemouth last month.
Due to his significant contributions to the team, Arsenal is reportedly considering offering White an improved contract, even though his existing deal runs until the summer of 2026. Talks between the club and White’s representatives are progressing positively. The 26-year-old expressed his eagerness to continue playing for Arsenal and emphasized his desire to elevate the club back to its former glory.
In an interview with Sky Sports News, White stated, “Yeah, of course. I want to stay at Arsenal for as long as I can, stay at the highest level and push this club back to where it needs to be. Arsenal is the only team I’ve been at for more than a year. It definitely helps. Obviously, I’m getting older. I’ve got a wife now which is slightly different to when I was younger. Things have changed in my life. My wife is from around here, so it’s ideal for her, and it’s just an amazing club to come into every day. I think I can take things from all the clubs I’ve been at, but this is by far my favorite.”
White’s successful transition to right-back came under the management of Mikel Arteta, who demanded versatility and adaptability from his players. White acknowledged the unique challenges of playing under Arteta, highlighting the manager’s distinct approach to the full-back position. He explained, “To play full-back for him, you’ve got to be a center mid, a center-back, a winger, a No 10. So, it’s been about developing the whole of my game, rather than just as a full-back or a center-back.”
White is set to make his 96th appearance for Arsenal in the upcoming London derby against Chelsea. A victory in this crucial match would temporarily lift Arsenal to the top of the Premier League table, pending the outcome of Tottenham Hotspur’s clash with Fulham on Monday.
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