Arsenal have opened talks with Ben White over a new contract, and they’re confident of a swift agreement with the defender.

NOTTINGHAM, ENGLAND - MAY 20: Ben White of Arsenal arrives at the stadium prior to the Premier League match between Nottingham Forest and Arsenal FC at City Ground on May 20, 2023 in Nottingham, England. (Photo by Clive Mason/Getty Images)
NOTTINGHAM, ENGLAND: Ben White of Arsenal arrives at the stadium prior to the Premier League match between Nottingham Forest and Arsenal FC at City Ground on May 20, 2023. (Photo by Clive Mason/Getty Images)

The Daily Mail report that Arsenal have now opened formal talks with Ben White over a new contract, and they’re increasingly confident of a speedy agreement with the England international.

White still has three years on his current deal with Arsenal, but the club are hoping to complete negotiations over a new contract quickly.

As it stands, White earned around £120,000 a week, but he’d receive a significant increase with his new deal.

LONDON, ENGLAND - AUGUST 02: Ben White of Arsenal looks on during the pre-season friendly match between Arsenal FC and AS Monaco at Emirates Stadium on August 02, 2023 in London, England. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND: Ben White of Arsenal looks on during the pre-season friendly match between Arsenal FC and AS Monaco at Emirates Stadium on August 02, 2023. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)

Fabrizio Romano recently reported that Arsenal were preparing to offer White a new deal, which would be a long-term contract with an improved salary.

Talks over new terms were expected to start within weeks, and it seems that’s now happened.

Charles Watts told TEAMtalk earlier in the summer that White and Odegaard would be the next two players in line for contract extensions, and Odegaard has since signed a new deal.

Before that, The Times reported in May that White could be among those to be offered improved terms after deals for the likes of Saka and Saliba were sorted.

afc bournemouth v arsenal fc premier league
BOURNEMOUTH, ENGLAND: Ben White of Arsenal (obscured) celebrates with teammates after scoring the team’s fourth goal during the Premier League match between AFC Bournemouth and Arsenal FC at Vitality Stadium on September 30, 2023. (Photo by Steve Bardens/Getty Images)

White has proven a key player for Mikel Arteta since signing from Brighton and Hove Albion, playing 94 times for the Gunners.

The defender has played 11 times (10 starts) for Arsenal this season already, featuring in every single game in all competitions and only failing to complete the full 90 minutes on two occasions.