Arsenal plan extensions for Arteta and Rice — but a Ben White deal could be a mistake

Arsenal are close to locking down two major contracts: Mikel Arteta is set to sign a new deal that would extend his time at the club past ten years if he completes the term, and Declan Rice is expected to commit until 2031. During the international break the club will also open talks with Ben White over a possible extension — likely one or two years on top of his current deal, which runs until summer 2028.

White has become more prominent this season because of absences elsewhere in the squad, notably Jurrien Timber. Arsenal initially considered moving White on in the summer, but William Saliba's serious back injury at the World Cup changed the club's calculations. With defensive cover suddenly more valuable, White worked his way back into Mikel Arteta's plans and now faces negotiations to stay longer in north London. Why some think extending White would be a mistake The case against a new contract for White is specific and practical rather than ideological.

• Declining athleticism: Observers cited signs that his pace and athleticism are not what they once were. For a right-back whose role combines attacking driving runs and one-on-one defensive duties, reduced explosiveness is meaningful.
• Defensive vulnerability at the highest level: White can be excellent in possession and contributes well going forward, but the piece points out he looks vulnerable defending against the very best opponents. That is likely to worsen as he approaches 30.
• Short-term fix risk: The expected extension is short — one or two years — which suggests Arsenal would be buying more time rather than addressing a long-term solution at right-back.

What the club gains and what it risks

• Immediate squad stability: White offers experience with Arsenal's possession game and fills in when other full-backs are unavailable.
• Tactical flexibility: He remains a useful option for Arteta's system, especially given current injuries elsewhere.

• Wage cost for diminishing returns: Extending a player entering a decline could create a mismatch between salary and on-field contribution.
• Blocking development: A short extension could delay integrating a younger, longer-term right-back or pursuing a transfer option.
• Future transfer value: If athletic decline continues, White's resale value will fall, limiting Arsenal's options later.

Arsenal are rightly moving to secure Arteta and Rice. Ben White's situation is different: the club faces a trade-off between short-term stability and longer-term squad planning. The reported plan — offering a brief extension — buys cover now but carries predictable physical and sporting risks as White approaches his 30s and as defensive standards at the top level remain demanding.