Ben White, Arsenal’s defender, asserted his inability to imagine playing for another club following his signing of a fresh long-term contract with the Gunners.
Arsenal, on Thursday morning, confirmed the extension of the 26-year-old’s deal, now understood to last until 2028 with the potential for an additional 12 months.
White’s previous agreement, inked upon his move from Brighton & Hove Albion in 2021, wasn’t set to expire until 2026. However, the Gunners aimed to acknowledge his significance to the team with a salary increase.
The England player didn’t miss a single Premier League match last season, accumulating two goals and four assists from 27 top-flight games this season. He’s also featured in all eight of Arsenal’s Champions League matches thus far.
White netted Arsenal’s final goal in their 6-0 defeat of Sheffield United two Mondays ago – their 10,000th competitive goal. Additionally, he provided two assists for Declan Rice and Kai Havertz in last weekend’s 2-1 win over Bournemouth.
In an interview with Arsenal’s media outlets following the conclusion of his new contract, White stated:
“I’m so happy – it’s been a long journey, and amazing to sign again and be here for more years.
“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.”
It was understood that White’s representatives had been engaged in talks with Arsenal for several months prior to the defender finalizing the deal. However, there was mutual confidence between both parties that a resolution would be reached.
Following the signing of his new contract, the England player conversed with Youtuber Timbsy at Arsenal’s London Colney training facility.
During the discussion, he was questioned about the moment he truly felt “at home” at the Emirates Stadium.
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.”
Ben White: ‘It feels amazing to sign new Arsenal contract’
“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.”
In 122 appearances for Arsenal, White has accumulated four goals and nine assists. Despite a persistent knee problem, the 26-year-old has only been absent from one Premier League game for the Gunners this season.
White joins a list of Arsenal players, including Aaron Ramsdale, Reiss Nelson, Bukayo Saka, Gabriel Martinelli, William Saliba, Gabriel Magalhaes, and Martin Odegaard, who have committed to new contracts. Additionally, negotiations for new deals for Jorginho and Takehiro Tomiyasu are underway.
