Arsenal's 'Champions League final fighter' closes in on Mikel Arteta contract reward

Arsenal defender Ben White is edging closer to penning a contract extension at the Emirates, which would make him the latest Gunner to commit his long-term future to the club.

Mikel Arteta has overseen a complete transformation of the north Londoners since his appointment in 2019 and the latest phase of his project appears to be tying the best young talent to the club. Within the last 12 months, William Saliba, Gabriel Martinelli, Gabriel Magalhaes, Bukayo Saka and Martin Odegaard have all signed extensions.

White is one of the more unsung heroes at Arsenal, but is rarely guilty of anything less than a seven out of 10 display most weeks. Signed as a centre-back, the former Brighton ace spent his first season at the club in the heart of the Gunners defence.

However, upon Saliba's return from a loan spell at Marseille, White was shifted out to right-back and to the surprise of many, flourished in the role. Making the position his own, the England international ousted Takehiro Tomiyasu, who had been expected to be the first-choice.

The 26-year-old White signed from the Seagulls in 2021 for £50million, penning a deal that would keep him tied to the club until the summer of 2026. However, such is Arteta's desire to keep the versatile defender at the club, the Gunners hierarchy are keen on ensuring White agrees an extension.

Talks are progressing well between both player and club according to reports. White has no desire to head for the Emirates exit any time soon and Arteta has previously waxed lyrical about his attitude.

The Spaniard described White as "brave", "really talented" and a "fighter" in the recent Amazon 'All or Nothing' series centred around the club. "He trains like he's playing the Champions League final," Arteta