Arsenal midfielder Mohamed Elneny is a popular figure among the fanbase, but an exit appears to be drawing closer ahead of the January transfer window....
Arsenal midfielder Mohamed Elneny is a popular figure among the fanbase, but an exit appears to be drawing closer ahead of the January transfer window.
The Egyptian recovered from a long-term injury to return to the squad this season, but has hardly featured even off the bench as Declan Rice and Jorginho are ahead of him in the pecking order.
Elneny’s contract expires at the end of the season, and there is no indication that an extension is on the way, meaning that Arsenal would be open to offers in January if they can earn a fee for him.
Fabrizio Romano has now revealed that there are several clubs interested in signing the midfielder.
Fabrizio Romano reveals transfer interest in Mohamed Elneny
Elneny is now the subject of interest from several sides in Turkey and Saudi Arabia, and a move in January now seems inevitable.
“Mo Elneny, attracting concrete interest from Trabzonspor but also more clubs are keen on signing him. Besiktas, Galatasaray and Saudi clubs are exploring conditions of the move,” he posted on X.
It recently emerged that Arsenal would listen to offers for Elneny in January, which makes sense given his lack of minutes and his contract situation.
Arsenal are also seemingly keen on adding a midfielder to the squad, with Douglas Luiz a key target, and this would certainly mean Elneny’s opportunities for game time further decrease.
Elneny’s popularity at Arsenal
Elneny joined Arsenal in January 2016, and spent one season on loan at Besiktas in 2019-20 before returning to the club, and is the longest-serving player at the club.
He has made 159 appearances for the club over the years, with most coming as a substitute. However, he is a well-respected figure at the club and is popular with the fanbase.
Martin Odegaard recently praised Elneny, claiming the midfielder was one of his best friends in the whole squad, and he is seen by some as an underrated member of the team.
Mikel Arteta even described Elneny as “special,” and it is clear that the manager values the player as an important character in the dressing room, but there is simply no need for him in the team now as Arsenal’s midfield continues to evolve.
Should he leave in January, it may make space in the squad for another midfielder to join, but his sale is unlikely to raise significant funds to help in this regard.