Arsenal are 'in advanced talks with Ben White over a new deal and hope to tie the defender down before Christmas' - with Mikel Arteta keen to keep his core group together long-term

Arsenal are reportedly in advanced talks with Ben White over a new contract extension and are hoping to agree a long-term deal before Christmas.

White, who arrived for £50million from Brighton in 2021, has been a key man for Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta and played all 38 matches during the Gunners' Premier League title charge last season.

In an effort to tie down important first team players early, Arsenal sporting director Edu has agreed extensions with several Arsenal stars over the past year, including Bukayo Saka, Martin Odegaard, William Saliba, Gabriel Martinelli, Gabriel Magalhaes and Aaron Ramsdale.

And it seems the right-back spot is Arsenal's next priority, with both White and Takehiro Tomiyasu in talks over new deals ahead of the busy festive period, according to The Sun. White has two and a half years left on his current contract, while Tomiyasu's deal expires in 2025.

Arriving at the Emirates alongside White, Tomiyasu joined the club for £19.5m from Bologna in the summer of 2021.

Having splashed over £600m on new signings since Arteta's arrival at the club, the north London side are now focused on keeping their core group of players over the next five years. 

Arsenal have been linked with a new striker in January, with Brentford talisman Ivan Toney the primary candidate.

All is rosy at the Emirates heading into December as Arsenal sit top of both the Premier League and their Champions League group, having already qualified for the knockout stages of the competition.

Arsenal, who impressed during their 6-0 demolition of Lens in the Champions League in midweek, take on Wolves next on Saturday.