Arsenal to offer £50m star ‘big pay hike’ in improved deal as defender reaches key appearance landmark

Mikel Arteta is hoping to secure the future of one of his side’s top performers by offering them a new and improved long term contract with the club, according to reports.

Arsenal have made huge strides on the pitch to climb from eighth in the table to title contenders within a two season period and one of the key catalysts for this has been the signing of defender Ben White from Brighton.

The £50m man arrived in the summer of 2021 and instantly established himself as a regular first team starter. In his first season he predominantly played as a central defender as Arsenal finished fifth in the league table.

White reached new heights in his second season with the club and became a fan favourite when he moved over to the right back position. The defender was a stalwart in the team which finished runners-up last term and he was involved in all 38 Premier League games.

The 26-year-old remains a vital part of the team this season and has featured in all 11 league games. His most recent appearance in the defeat to Newcastle saw him reach a century of appearances for the club.

White has played both in central defence and at right back during different matches this term and his versatility makes him a key asset to the team’s chances of success.

Arteta is hopeful of guiding Arsenal to their first league title in 20 years and in a mission to improve his side’s chances of success he has already agreed to extend the contracts of key performers such as Martin Odegaard and Bukayo Saka.

Football Insider understands that White is the latest name to be offered a new deal.

The defender’s existing contract runs until the summer of 2026 and sees him earn a weekly wage of £126,000. However, the new deal proposed is expected to be a huge improvement on that figure.

Journalist Wayne Vasvey explains: “Talks over a new deal are progressing well and are expected to result in a full agreement in the next months.”