Ben White has signed a new four-year contract at Arsenal, as the club continues to tie down core members of the squad to long-term deals.

White has established himself as a key player under Mikel Arteta, and the 26-year-old defender has been rewarded for his fine form this season with improved terms.

His fresh deal runs until 2028, with the option to extend it by a further year, and is part of a push by Arsenal to tie down their important players.

The Gunners have agreed new contracts for Bukayo Saka, Gabriel Magalhaes, Gabriel Martinelli, Martin Odegaard and William Saliba over the past 18 months.

White is the latest player to commit his long-term future, and Arsenal are also finalising a new deal for fellow defender Takehiro Tomiyasu.

“I think when those sort of players are getting signed, it shows there is a real ambition about the club and it is something I am loving being a part of,” said White.

“I think if you look at the ages [in the squad], it’s going to get better.

“Day to day it is shown how important this club is and how important it is to do the little things right and get the results that we need.

“I have been on loan three times, I have been places for a year. I think this is the first time I’ve actually settled and known I am not going anywhere in the summer. Being here is unbelievable and I’d love to stay [for more years].”

Arteta described White as a player who “leads by example every day” and said: “It’s great news that Ben is committing his future to the club.

“He is a key player for us, a top professional with a winning mentality and one of the guys who leads by example every day.

“Ben’s ability, determination and positive attitude are so important, but he is also a great character and human being. We all look forward to continue working with Ben in the coming years.”

White joined Arsenal for £50million from Brighton in 2021. He has made 27 appearances for the Premier League leaders this season and impressed again in Tuesday’s shootout win over Porto, as the Gunners reached the Champions League quarter-finals for the first time in 14 years.

Arsenal sporting director Edu said: “Since Ben joined us, his contribution and commitment have been of such high quality.

“Our supporters love him, we love him and we look forward to enjoying Ben’s performances with us for years to come.”