'Don't want to' - Arsenal defender Ben White says he can't go near star player in training

Arsenal defender Ben White has leaped praise on teammate Gabriel Martinelli.

26-year-old White has not only risen as a prominent leadership figure within Arsenal but has also emerged as the club's most adaptable player, showcasing his versatility on the field.

White's recent performances have demonstrated his ability to excel in alternative defensive roles, notably as an inverted full-back and as one who seamlessly overlaps with his winger.

The England international admitted that he enjoys his battles in training with the Gunners’ Brazil star Martinelli.

“I think we have an understanding,” White told Arsenal’s official website.

“I play against Gabriel Martinelli every day in training for example, and to be honest I don’t want to go too near to him most of the time, but at the same time we have to keep it competitive. But you know there is a line, and it’s the same for everyone. We all come up against the same people each day, and there’s like an unwritten rule that you don’t go in too hard for a 50-50 or something like that. You can save those for the weekend!

“Every day me and Martinelli have a one v one battle, but then as soon as the session is over our relationship is so good. You do your best and give everything when you are training, but you need to look after each other too, you have to be clever.”

Gunners boss Mikel Arteta has a fully fit squad to choose from when his team face Aston Villa on Saturday, although Jurrien Timber is expected to feature for the under-21s before being named in a first team matchday squad.