Arsenal’s Ben White says he ‘wants to stay as long as possible’ at the Gunners with the right back thriving under boss Mikel Arteta amid contract extension talks at the Emirates

• Ben White, 26, moved to Arsenal in 2021 for a fee of £50million from Brighton 
• The right-back has expressed his eagerness to stay at the North London side 
• He has thrived under Mikel Arteta, moving from centre-back to right-back 

Arsenal defender Ben White has revealed that he is ‘keen to stay’ at the London club under boss Mikel Arteta. 

White, 26, arrived from Brighton in 2021, after a loan spell at Leeds United and has grown into his role as Arteta’s first choice right-back. 

Having flourished under the Spanish boss, the defender has revealed in an exclusive Sky Sports interview that he wants ‘to stay at Arsenal for as long as I can, stay at the highest level and push this club back to where it needs to be.

‘Whenever that’s spoken about, it’s an amazing feeling that someone wants you. I’ve still got a few years left on my current contract, so even to be speaking about it is a nice feeling.’ 

Within the last two years, White has been transformed from centre-back to right-back with ease, with many fans admiring his nutmeg against new Manchester City signing Jeremy Doku in their 1-0 victory. 

Ben White donned his new white hairstyle in training this week at London Colney

Fans noticed Ben White nutmeg Jeremy Doku during their 1-0 Manchester City victory 

Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta has been instrumental in developing White’s new right-back role

White scored his third ever Arsenal goal against Bournemouth earlier this season 

The former Brighton man is well-loved by Arsenal fans as he is one of the first on Arteta’s teamsheet. 

The right-back has started all but one matches so far this season, only missing Arsenal’s defeat to Lens in the Champions League. 

White said that the stability and feeling settled at Arsenal has helped him develop and improve as a player.   

‘Arsenal is the only team I’ve been at for more than a year. It definitely helps. Obviously, I’m getting older. 

‘I’ve got a wife now which is slightly different to when I was younger. Things have changed in my life. 

Before his move to the Gunners, White spent five years on the south coast at Brighton. During this time he had three loan spells at Newport County, Peterborough and Leeds, before returning to the Seagulls ahead of his London move. 

Despite making it clear that he has very little interest in football outside of his career – with the right-back stating he would have ‘become a gardener if he wasn’t a footballer’ – the fan-favourite has been remarkably impressive. 

He spoke about the transition from centre-back to right-back under Arteta, saying that he was happy to play anywhere along the backline. 

On Arteta’s management style, White said it was ‘completely different to any other manager’, as being a full-back required developing his whole game, beyond his defensive capabilities.  

‘I’ve got a wife now which is slightly different to when I was younger. Things have changed in my life.’ White said his wife Milly Adams was a key factor in his eagerness to stay at Arsenal

White continues to impress after becoming one of Arsenal’s top performers last season

According to Opta, the right-back has only been dribbled past three times in eight Premier League games this season.

As Arsenal prepare to face Chelsea on Saturday, White discussed facing tough opposition, namely ex-Crystal Palace winger Wilfried Zaha as being ‘tough’ to face. 

His partnership with Bukayo Saka has also been noted as a seamless link-up, driving forward to allow the winger more space up front. 

Donning a new ‘white’ hairstyle, Ben White looks ahead to Arsenal’s Stamford Bridge clash on Saturday as the Gunners look to retain their unbeaten run. 

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