Arsenal have made an approach to Ben White over a new contract, with Edu Gaspar fronting the negotiation.

Kaya Kaynak of Football.London and Mark Mann-Bryans report that Arsenal have approached Ben White over a contract extension, a decision reportedly being led by technical director Edu Gaspar.

Mann-Bryans writes that Arsenal want to reward White’s form and have him join the group of players who have already committed their long-term future.

Football.London add that Arsenal are hopeful of tying the defender down to a new deal, and they’ve opened talks, which are progressing positively.

White already has a deal until 2026, but the club are being proactive in negotiations, and they clearly believe the England international has earned a new deal with his performances.

Football.London conclude that Arsenal will turn their attention to Takehiro Tomiyasu once the White deal is done.

David Ornstein reported earlier this week that the Gunners had already made an offer to Tomiyasu, so it certainly seems that he’s next on the list.

Negotiations have been ongoing since August, and the player is happy with his current club.

The Gunners are just hoping to get the deal done, sorting out another contract situation before it becomes a problem.

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

White has proven a key player for Mikel Arteta since signing from Brighton and Hove Albion, playing 103 times for the Gunners.

The defender has played 20 times (17 starts) for Arsenal this season already, despite his recent injury problems.