Ben White cherishes Leeds promotion but needed no persuading to join Arsenal for £50m

Ben White faces a familiar opponent when Arsenal host Leeds United on Saturday, with the 28-year-old defender looking back fondly on the season he spent on loan at Elland Road — while making clear that joining the Gunners for £50 million in July 2021 was never a difficult decision.

White was a fixture in Marcelo Bielsa’s side during the 2019/20 Championship campaign, starting all 46 league games as Leeds won the title and returned to the Premier League after a 16-year absence. Speaking at the time, he described it as the defining period of his career to that point. “We’ve been through a lot last season, it’s the best time of my life winning that trophy. The players and staff will always be in my heart,” he said in 2020. “The club will always be special to me.”

Yet when Arsenal came calling the following summer, White’s loyalty to the memory did not translate into hesitation. “I don’t think I needed too much convincing to be fair,” he said after completing his move from Brighton. “Obviously Arsenal speaks for itself and I spoke to the gaffer a number of times during the summer. I got good vibes and the way the gaffer wants to play, I think I can produce quality in this team.”

His time at the Emirates has been interrupted by persistent injury problems, though he did make 30 appearances across all competitions last season as Arsenal won the Premier League title. This campaign, White began as a starter at right-back in the absence of Jurrien Timber, but missed the 3-0 defeat to Brighton before the international break with a minor hamstring issue, with Timber having replaced him at half-time of the 2-0 win at Sunderland.

White was linked with a departure from north London this summer after falling down the pecking order under Mikel Arteta. Former Arsenal defender Lee Dixon suggested the England international may need to consider his options. “His injury situation isn’t great for a manager,” Dixon said. “I know he’s well-liked at the club — he’s got a different demeanour about him than other players, but he’s a nice lad and good for the squad. From his point of view, if I was him, I’d be knocking on the door now because I’d just want to go and play, and he’s not going to play if Timber’s fit. If it was me, I’d ask to leave. But leaving league champions is difficult.”

Saturday’s early kick-off gives White the chance to remind Arteta of his qualities against a side that shaped a significant chapter of his career.