Arsenal: Mikel Arteta begins important in-house deal for £50m defender

Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta has begun the pursuit of some very important business, which currently costs the club £6.2m per year. 

Arsenal will soon kick off Champions League action. It is their second game of the competition after they got off to winning ways in their opening match against PSV at home. Looking to continue the great attacking display his side showed in their first match, Mikel Arteta is likely to name a similar lineup in this match.

Although, there may be one or two important players who miss out, given the quick turnaround of fixtures with Manchester City visiting the Emirates Stadium at the weekend.

One player who can certainly be branded as “important” is Ben White. But luckily for Arteta, his English defender isn’t subject to squad rotation since he isn’t as injury prone as some others.

Converted to a full-back last season, White has become one of the first names on the team sheet for the Gunners. Not only can he play as a full-back, but his natural position is centre back so he could fill in there if required.

Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta opens talks with Ben White

Given his importance, Mikel Arteta would like to secure his long-term future. According to a report from the Daily Mail, Arsenal have begun negotiations with Ben White over a new deal. His current deal runs for three more years and sees him earn £120,000 per week (£6.2m per year). While it’s not reported, I assume that White will be given a pay rise to keep him at the club.

Should White extend his stay at the Gunners, he would join the growing list of players who have committed their future to Arsenal. The list includes Bukayo Saka, William Saliba, Martin Odegaard and Gabriel Martinelli.

Do you think Ben White will extend his current contract?