Ben White says he’s very settled at Arsenal as speculation mounts the England international is on the verge of signing a new long-term contract at the Emirates.
Signed from Brighton in the summer of 2021, the defender, 26, has proved a versatile and durable addition to Mikel Arteta’s squad making 119 appearances, initially as a centre-back and now as a right-back.
White has been in negotiations with the club about a new deal for quite some time and is set to be rewarded with improved terms like a host of his teammates.
“I wouldn’t want to be anywhere else,” White told Sky Sports ahead of Arsenal’s clash with Sheffield United.
“I’m very settled and all my family are here. It’s an amazing place to live and obviously playing for Arsenal tops it off.”
It’s unclear when Arsenal will confirm the new deal, but it’s possible they might hold off a while with full focus being placed on a busy fixture list.
White is positive about the state of the squad heading into the final third of the season.
“This year we’ve added players. In difficult games and in difficult moments, you have players that are coming in with more ambition and more quality to help the team,” he said.
“We’ve got used to winning games and when games don’t go as well, it’s it’s so important to to win the next one because in the Premier League you need to get the momentum going when you are winning and keep picking up results.
Arsenal have three big games in the next couple of weeks and then a break before a crunch clash with Manchester City.
While eyes are naturally drawn to that huge game at the Etihad, White is urging his teammates to focus on every game as they come.
“It’s just game by game for us, I think that’s why we’re all so relaxed. It’s just focusing on the next game and doing everything during the week to get the three points on the weekend.”
He added: “I think if you go and win at the Etihad and don’t win the other games it’s pointless. Also there are other teams that can definitely challenge us and we’ve got to focus on every single game and pick up as many points as we can.”
Hard to find any fullback in Europe that cost 50m and feels like money better spent! Spread across 8-10years it’s fantastic business…..a period a team like Chelsea would have flipped 3-4 players in every position 😀
I feel he’s one of our unsung heroes 💖
We wouldn’t want you anywhere else, Benjamin!
He’s been fantastic since he’s joined. Had my doubts about him at fullback, and he had a dip this season as well, but he’s been very impressive this year so far. Very rare to have a full back that can defend, overlap and invert all in the same game!
same I remember first game of the season was palace… going up against Zaha I also had my doubts. Can say that Zaha didn’t get much joy and all I can remember is Mitoma giving him a few fits and maybe Grealish got him once or twice… quite impressive considering it’s been such a large sample size
Stop tanning, you don’t need to prove anything to anyone.
Lol, what exactly to do you think he’s trying to prove here?
Keep up the excellent work Benjamin. And the shithousery. Love that.
Hassling and winding up the opposition goalkeeper during our corner takes has to be his most unforgettable legacy at Arsenal! 😁
Seems like it’s been ages since we’ve had that sort of player. Absolutely love a player that opposition players/supporters find annoying. Long may it continue
I think Benny Blanco is the right sided version of Nacho Monreal. A quiet camera shy mister Reliable who gets his work done efficiently and fusslessly.
Get in Ben!
Ah Nacho, nice to be reminded of that legend
Great news. Obviously Arsenal comes first, but if I were Saka I’d have a quiet word with Gareth Southgate about taking a look at the connection he has with Benny Blanco down that right side. Gary Neville and Jamie Carragher tell me Kyle Walker is the best right back in the world. Their opinions are worth dirt to me, but even if he is, I’d sooner play Walker next to Stones at centre back and preserve what Saka and White have at an International level too. That way we can have a few Euros winners at Arsenal come the start… Read more »
Is he really an England international?
For some reason I’m not seeing him in the squads.
Strange one that. The most versatile and intelligent right sided defender that doesn’t get picked for the national team.
As soon as Southgate goes he’ll be in. Madness that they don’t want to capitalise on his relationship with Saka on the right.
And long may it last…
Great to know he isn’t going to be impacted by that knob Southgate
Part of me says if plays for England they will have a higher % of winning matches. But part of says FK it, let him rest and be ready for next season. Not sure he will be playing for England under Southgate and his backroom staff.
England probably have the best squad in world football at the moment. Unfortunately they have a Sunday League manager…
If his progression goes on like this, Mr. White is going to play as a striker for us soon. 😉
Just had an awesome chance to score last game as well. Ben chose to be selfless and pass the ball.
He is absolutely a gunner, give him a new contract.
He is the Epitome of the Arteta recovery
Benny White White White!