Revitalised Mohamed Elneny set to extend Arsenal stay

Arsenal midfielder Mohamed Elneny is set to be rewarded with a contract extension following a resurgence in his involvement at the Emirates stadium.

Turkish transfer expert Ekrem Konur reports the Egypt international has agreed terms with the club on a deal that’ll see his time in North London extended until at least 2025.

Elneny became the first Egyptian to turn out for the Gunners after joining in 2016 for a fee in the region of £7.4m after impressing for Swiss side FC Basel.

Then manager Arsene Wenger spoke of his admiration for Elneny in the past, describing the 29-year-old as ‘a very strong and active player’.

"“He’s a player with a modern style of play and that always gives his best for his team. Elneny is a very tactically-useful player. He is very active inside the pitch and what strikes me the most is how he protects his team.”"

The ex-Arsenal boss’ train of thought was not necessarily reciprocated by the managers proceeding him, with Elneny’s standing fluctuating since Wenger’s retirement.

Under Unai Emery, the 4x Swiss Super League champion was sent on loan to Besiktas in the Turkish top-flight, before returning to the fold after Mikel Arteta’s appointment.

Elneny back in Arteta’s plans

Upon the arrival of Thomas Partey ahead of the 2020/21 season, Elneny’s status within his manager’s plans was again brought into question.

Used largely as a utility player that campaign, helped to an extent by Partey’s tarnished injury record, his participation again proved limited.

Up until a matter of weeks ago, this season looked to be a similar story, with Partey, Granit Xhaka and even youngster Albert Sambi Lokonga the preferred options.

However, after another injury setback for Partey, in conjunction with Xhaka and Lokonga’s equally temperamental nature, the frequency of opportunity for Elneny to make an impact has seen an upturn.

Following a run of three consecutive defeats to Crystal Palace, Brighton and Southampton which threatened to derail his team’s top-four charge, Arteta was forced to turn to the deep-lying midfielder, who had remained an unused substitute in all three of the games.

Starting the next four, the addition of Elneny’s composure and knowhow in midfield helped Arsenal to win all the games, including statement victories against Chelsea and Manchester United.

Arteta was thought to be in the market for a central midfielder in the summer transfer window, and while this may still be the case, Elneny has proven to be a worthy member of the squad who will remain a part of the Spaniard’s ‘process’.