Two Arsenal stars sign new deals

Premier League leaders Arsenal enjoy an extended break before returning to action at the end of the month.

The Gunners don’t play this weekend as the FA Cup quarter-finals take place, before an international break the following week.

Mikel Arteta’s side are therefore out of action until March 31, when they face title rivals Manchester City in a potentially crucial game at The Etihad.

Having finished as runners-up to City last season, Arteta will be desperate to see his side beat City and move a step closer to a first Premier League title in two decades.

Off the pitch, the Gunners have been handed two huge boosts.

According to Fabrizio Romano, defenders Ben White and Takehiro Tomiyasu have both signed new contracts with the club.

The Italian journalist claims that the two full-backs have both agreed extensions to their current deals, with official confirmation expected soon.

White, 26, is said to have penned a new deal that will run until 2028 and will also include the option to extend the contract by a further 12 months.

The defender joined Arsenal from Brighton and Hove Albion in 2021 and has since made more than 120 appearances for the club across all competitions.

Despite naturally being a central defender, White has primarily been used at right-back by Arteta with the Spaniard fielding William Saliba and Gabriel in the centre of defence.

The Englishman’s current deal is due to expire in 2026, but he appears to have been rewarded for his fine form this season.

Tomiyasu, meanwhile, joined the Gunners from Italian side Bologna in the summer of 2021 and has since played a bit-part role under Arteta.

In total he has made 73 appearances for the club, but his current deal is set to expire next summer.