Egyptian midfielder Mohamed Elneny spent last season on loan at Besiktas. Arsenal looked set to let go of him in the summer but could not find a suitable offer. Not many would have expected to see the 28-year-old remain at the club. However, with injury problems and a lack of depth in midfield at the club, he has gone on to make ten league appearances so far this season.
Arteta and Arsenal Make Elneny Decision
Elneny to Stay Despite Rumours
According to reports from football.London, there will be no winter departure for Elneny. Arteta plans to keep hold of the midfielder to sustain squad depth and help in the clubs aims to climb up the league table.
Reports in Turkey have been claiming a move to Besiktas was on the cards, with the Turkish side willing to pay up to £7 million for his services.
Elneny will instead remain in North London and compete with the likes of Granit Xhaka, Dani Ceballos and Maitland-Niles for a place in midfield alongside Thomas Partey, who is set to return this month.
The Egyptian surprised many with his early-season form. Arteta gave him an opportunity to impress early on and he took his chance. The 28-year-old had some impressive performances in both the Premier League and in Europe.
A standout was his performance alongside summer signing Thomas Partey at Old Trafford in the Gunners’ 1-0 win against United. It was the first time Arsenal had won there since 2006. He was influential in midfield and helped Arteta’s men control the game.
Elneny a Squad Player at Arsenal
Mohamed Elneny is a squad player by all accounts at Arsenal, and his early-season form has slowly tailed off. However, with finances tight and the club setting their focus higher up the pitch with a creative midfielder, its unlikely Arteta will make any additions in the central midfield role.
He is someone with great determination and work rate. The Egyptian is a character many love around the training ground too. Arsenal are competing across many competitions, they will have to call on him throughout the rest of the campaign.
With the return of the Europa League in February, Arsenal will have a busy schedule. Due to little depth in his position, we can expect to see Elneny feature often for Arsenal.
Busy Window Expected for Arsenal
Arteta has been adamant that before fans can expect incomings, but, they will have to shift a number of players from the squad.
Already, the club have let go of Sead Kolasinac and William Saliba. They will hope to get rid of a few more too before the window slams shut.
Arsenal are expecting a very busy transfer window. They are said to be after an attacking midfielder to help them with their creativity struggles. Dortmund’s Julian Brandt and Norwich’s Emi Buendia have been linked with moves to the club, but nothing official has been confirmed as of yet.
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