Arsenal’s Ben White has expressed his dedication to the club, stating he can’t picture himself with any other team following his commitment to a new extended contract with the Gunners.
Arsenal announced on Thursday morning that the 26-year-old defender has renewed his contract, which is now set to last until 2028, with an additional year as an option.
White, who joined from Brighton & Hove Albion in 2021, had a contract that wasn’t expiring until 2026. However, the Gunners have chosen to increase his salary to acknowledge his significant role in the team.
The England international was present in every Premier League match last season and has contributed two goals and four assists in 27 league games this season. He has also participated in all eight of Arsenal’s Champions League matches to date.
In a recent 6-0 triumph over Sheffield United, White netted Arsenal’s sixth goal, marking the club’s 10,000th in competitive play. He also assisted Declan Rice and Kai Havertz in the previous weekend’s 2-1 win against Bournemouth.
After finalizing his new contract, White shared with Arsenal’s media: “I’m thrilled – it’s been quite the journey, and it’s incredible to commit further to the club.
“I’ve said before I wouldn’t want to be anywhere else, so it’s perfect. When you’re in that office, it’s a little more daunting but it’s amazing to sign again and have the same feelings of pride It’s a really good achievement.”
Negotiations between White’s representatives and Arsenal had been ongoing for several months, but both parties were always optimistic about reaching an agreement.
Following the renewal of his contract, White spoke with Youtuber Timbsy at Arsenal’s London Colney training ground, reflecting on when he started feeling settled at the Emirates Stadium.
White remarked, “I’d probably say not until the pre-season after I joined. I feel like I’ve always done a year somewhere and left again straight away to go on loan, or go back to Brighton for a year and then come to Arsenal,” White added.
“It was the first time I’ve been back-to-back and stayed somewhere. I think that was probably then when I realised I’m here to stay, and to play.
“Last season we did better than what people expected. I think there was a little bit of belief that we could do it, and we didn’t get what we wanted last season, but this season, we’ve started so well.
“Coming in for pre-season, everyone was top and ready to go, you could kind of tell in pre-season that we were going to be another team this year. I think with the team, there’s not too much said about where we want to be.
“I think everyone knows we’re in for the highest we can, and I don’t think anything is too big for us to be able to challenge and win. There’s no limit to what we can achieve.”
From 122 games in an Arsenal shirt, White boasts four goals and nine assists, and despite a niggling knee issue, the 26-year-old has only missed one top-flight match for the Gunners this season.