Arsenal begin talks with Elneny over a possible new contract
UK press reports indicated that Arsenal had opened talks about renewing the contract of Egyptian midfielder Mohamed Elneny, who starred with the Gunners recently. Elneny is scheduled to be free at the end of the season and is expected to choose a new destination when his current contract expires after struggling to become a regular player.
However, with Thomas Partey likely to miss the rest of the season with a thigh injury, Elneny has filled in a nifty spot alongside Granit Xhaka in the midfield. Elneny has started all four of Arsenal's recent victories over Chelsea, Manchester United, West Ham, and Leeds United, completing the full 90 minutes each time, in addition to a crucial pass for Xhaka, who scored against United.
While Arsenal is still expected to pursue at least one new midfielder next summer transfer window, the Athletic newspaper reported that talks are now underway to extend Elneny's contract in north London.
The 29-year-old joined Arsenal from FC Basel in 2016 and spent 2019-20 on loan at Besiktas. He appeared to be a peripheral figure under both Arteta and his predecessor Unai Emery but has recently emerged as an unlikely star of the side.
When three straight defeats left Arsenal’s top-four hopes in jeopardy, Arteta called Elneny into his starting XI for a daunting trip to Chelsea. It ended in victory and the midfielder has since been on the field for every minute of wins against Manchester United, West Ham United and now Leeds.
“I always like a challenge and give 100 percent all the time,” Elneny told reporters. “I don’t decide who will play, but I keep training to show how good I am and to make him play with me.”
He added: "If I don't play I will continue until I get my chance if Arsenal says 'we want you, I'm not thinking of leaving, it's my family for six years, I love this club."
Elneny joined Arsenal from Basel six years ago and appeared in 144 games with the Gunners in all competitions, scoring five goals and making 10 others in that time.
