Ben White has said he believes Arsenal‘s best is yet to come under Mikel Arteta after signing a new four-year contract.
Sources have told ESPN that the 26-year-old’s fresh deal runs to 2028 with an option to extend by a further 12 months, ending months of negotiations to follow Martin Ødegaard and Bukayo Saka in committing his future to the club.
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“I think if you do look at the ages [of the players], it’s going to get better,” White said. “When those sort of players are getting signed, it shows there is a real ambition about the club and it is something I am loving being a part of.”
White has made 122 appearances for Arsenal since joining from Brighton for £50 million [$64m] in July 2021.
The centre-back has previously spent time on loan at Newport County, Peterborough and Leeds United before a breakthrough spell at Brighton led to his move to London.
“I have been on loan three times, I have been places for a year,” he said. “I think this is the first time I’ve actually settled and known I am not going anywhere in the summer. Being here is unbelievable and I’d love to stay [for more years].”
Arteta, who has guided Arsenal to the top of the Premier League with 10 games to play and their first Champions League quarterfinal since 2010, added: “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.
“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.”