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Arsenal 'turn attention to renewing Oleksandr Zinchenko, Ben White deals'

By Ben Sully | 22 September 2023

Arsenal 'turn attention to renewing Zinchenko, White deals'

Arsenal are reportedly ready to enter contract discussions with Oleksandr Zinchenko and Ben White after tying captain Martin Odegaard down to a new deal.

Arsenal are reportedly prepared to enter contract discussions with Oleksandr Zinchenko and Ben White after securing Martin Odegaard's long-term future.

The Gunners announced on Friday that Odegaard had penned a new deal with the club to extend his stay until the summer of 2028.

Arsenal's captain has reportedly become the club's highest-paid player after being the latest member of the first-team squad to commit his long-term future to the Gunners.

In the past 12 months, Gabriel Magalhaes, Aaron Ramsdale, Bukayo Saka, Gabriel Martinelli, William Saliba and Reiss Nelson have all signed new Arsenal contracts.

According to Football Insider, Arsenal will now turn their attention to securing the long-term futures of Zinchenko and White.

Ben White in action for Arsenal on July 20, 2023 © Reuters

After arriving on a permanent deal from Manchester City last summer, Zinchenko still has three years left to run on his contract.

The Ukraine international has become a key member of Arteta's squad, and the Gunners want to offer him a deal that reflects his status at the club.

Since joining the North London side, Zinchenko has made 38 appearances in all competitions, chipping in with one goal and two assists.

Like his Arsenal teammate, White is also under contract until June 2026 after signing a five-year deal upon his arrival from Brighton & Hove Albion in 2021.

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta pictured in September 2023 © Reuters

White is regarded as an important figure in the Arsenal side, which is demonstrated by the fact that he played in all 38 Premier League games last term.

The versatile defender has also played every minute of the current campaign, and he has been utilised as a centre-back and right-back in the opening stages of the season.

While the Arsenal hierarchy are set to work on new deals for Zinchenko and White, Arteta is currently focusing on matters on the pitch.

The Arsenal boss is preparing his side for the first North London derby of the season, with the Gunners set to face Tottenham Hotspur at the Emirates Stadium on Sunday.