3 reasons why Ben White contract extension is so important for Arsenal

Another day at Arsenal, another new contract is signed.

This week saw Ben White become just the latest Gunner to agree fresh terms, and his extension to 2029 marks another positive, off-field development in the Mikel Arteta process.

The boss himself spoke of how White’s commitment is “great news” for the club and he expressed his delight about working with him over the coming years- sentiments that offer insight into the importance of this deal.

Meanwhile, Edu lauded the 26-year-old’s “high quality” contributions and how they have earned him “love” from fans and executives alike, with this bond likely to strengthen further if the campaign ends in success.  

So, it seems the Arsenal hierarchy all value White, and here are three reasons why his continued stay means so much to us/them.  

1. A popular figure in the dressing room

Since his appointment, Arteta has tried to build a positive culture, and White appears to form a key part of that mission.

That much became clear in the contract announcement video. In that clip, Jorginho, Declan Rice and Martin Odegaard were just some of many Arsenal stars to lavish praise on his character, labelling White as a “warrior” and a “leader” who would do anything to help the team.    

Talk can be cheap of course, but these words are often vindicated by White on matchday and they suggest he has the respect of his teammates, signalling a refreshing change from our past dressing-room divides.

Other clubs (*cough cough Manchester United*) have demonstrated the impact that internal acrimony wreaks on the pitch and, simultaneously, highlighted how togetherness/mutual respect is vital for ensuring great things are achieved on the pitch. We seem to have it in bucketloads, and it may help explain our current trajectory.

White is a testament to the character profiling at the heart of Arteta’s transfer pursuits and his extension will boost the players as much as the onlookers.

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