When Arsenal asked their players for one word to describe Ben White, ‘warrior’ was the most popular.

‘Every team would love to have a Ben White in the team,’ was Gabriel Martinelli’s longer verdict.

He may not be prone to smiling often, his serious demeanour a foil to some, but how valued the defender is among this squad is clear as another vital cog of Arsenal’s backline is secured for another four years.

Ben White’s new contract to 2028, with the option for an extra year, is some marker. His fellow defenders William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhaes are tied down until 2027, while Takehiro Tomiyasu’s new contract is expected to be announced in the coming days.

It is the foundations Edu and Co have laid which make the Gunners a threat for years to come.