Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta insists he wants Ben White as part of his squad.

White is in new contract talks with the Gunners.

Arteta said today: "I think he's progressing the right way in the last few years as you said he had a little bit of a difficult start which is normal because it was a big jump, different expectations and to play as well in different situations and positions.

"But I think it showed a lot of determination and courage to overcome any of that I think he has a big personality I think he goes with pressure really well he has a lot of quality gives different positions and he's been a key player for us.

"We always try to keep the squad in a healthy position in any way, and the club especially are working on that (White's contract)."

It was then put to Arteta that White was a "strange character" over his dislike of football.

The manager replied: "Yeah, and he's a really good character in his own way and the way he is, the way he presents himself but he loves football. The way you know you don't play that amount of games, the way he trains every day, the way he applies himself is top and we need more players like him."