Ben White could've left Arsenal for four of Europe's top clubs thanks to revolutionary analysis

Arsenal defender Ben White could've joined four of Europe's elite clubs before penning a new deal with the Gunners.

The 26-year-old committed his long-term future to Mikel Arteta's side on Thursday.

White signed a new four-year deal which will keep him at the Emirates Stadium until 2028, with an option to extend until 2029.

He's become a vital part of the way Arsenal play as they hunt for a first Premier League title in 20 years.

Since arriving from Brighton in 2021, White has operated at right-back and centre-back.

He's always had the technical ability to reach the top level, but questions surrounding his complex character have refused to go away.

A new report from The Athletic has attempted to unpack what makes White the most enigmatic player in English football.

When contract talks with Arsenal begun, White's representatives went about getting the best deal possible for their client.

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They commissioned a report from revolutionary sports consultancy Analytics FC, which unpacks a player's data. What they got back sums up White's talents.

Compared to other full-backs in Europe's top five leagues, he is in the top 10 per cent of ‘progressive’ short passers.

That, coupled with his ability to play wide or centrally, saw the report conclude he was a perfect fit for several top teams across the continent.

Among the teams suggested to White were AC Milan, Bayern Munich, Barcelona and Manchester City.

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White would've been of interest to all four sides if he came on the market. However, he decided to stay in North London after entering negotiations in September 2023.

Following the announcement of his new contract, England manager Gareth Southgate confirmed White didn't want to be considered for international selection for the foreseeable future.

He's not been involved with the Three Lions in any capacity since leaving England's camp during the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.