Benjamin Kristian Arthur (born 9 October 2005) is an English professional footballer who plays as a central defender for club Celtic, on loan from club Brentford.
Arthur is a product of the Peterborough United academy and began his professional career with Brentford in 2023. He has been capped by England at youth level.
Initially a midfielder, Arthur began his youth career with Leamington Hibernian and Coventry Sphinx, before entering the Peterborough United academy at the age of 13. Despite "injury and other struggles" and with the club considering his release, he progressed to sign a scholarship deal in 2022 and was a central defender in the 2022âÂÂ23 U18 Professional Development League Cup-winning U18 squad. Shortly after winning his maiden call into a first team matchday squad, Arthur turned down a "substantial offer" to sign a professional contract and departed London Road on 31 August 2023.
On 31 August 2023, Arthur transferred to the B team at Premier League club Brentford and signed a three-year contract for an undisclosed fee. The fee was reported to be "close to ã1 million" and "nearly a record for a League One scholar, plus millions in add-ons". Arthur missed the first half of the 2023âÂÂ24 season with a stress fracture to his back and returned to match play in early January 2024. An injury crisis in defence saw Arthur win his maiden call into the first team squad for a Premier League match versus Arsenal on 9 March 2024. He remained an unused substitute during the 2âÂÂ1 defeat.
Following an injury suffered during the 2024 off-season, Arthur returned to match play with the B team on 23 September 2024. He made 27 appearances during the 2024âÂÂ25 season and was a part of the Professional Development League-winning squad. Arthur's performances were recognised with the club's U21 Player of the Year award. Arthur was an unused substitute in five first team matchday squads during the 2024âÂÂ25 season.
In July 2025, Arthur was promoted to the first team squad and signed a new six-year contract, with the option of a further year. He made three cup appearances during the first half of the 2025âÂÂ26 season, before joining Scottish Premiership club Celtic on loan for the remainder of the season on the final day of the winter transfer window.
Arthur was part of England's U18 squad at the 2023 International Tournament of Lisbon and he appeared in each of the team's three matches at the tournament. He won his maiden U19 call-up for a training camp and two friendlies in September 2023, but was not named in either matchday squad. Arthur received his second call-up for two friendlies in March 2024 and won his only U19 cap with a start in a 3âÂÂ2 defeat to the United States. Arthur won his maiden U20 cap with a start in a friendly versus Japan on 14 November 2025.
Arthur is of Ghanaian descent through his father. He grew up in Lillington, Warwickshire. While a Brentford B player, Arthur shared accommodation with teammate Ashley Hay.
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