Arsenal Rewards Midfielder With a Contract Extension Following a Major Improvement

It appears reports out of the Emirates were spot on. Arsenal have renewed the contract of Mohamed Elneny just after the season has concluded. He was one of a few players in line for contract extension if his form improved.

Mohamed Elneny did just that, he improved his form and did so drastically, making it difficult to see a starting lineup without his name on the teamsheet. He has literally gone from outcast to contract renewal.

The Egyptian midfielder was en route to becoming a free agent and a move abroad was looking increasingly likely for him. But Arsenal were impressed enough and he was granted an extra year at the club.

"Egypt midfielder Mohamed Elneny has signed a new contract with Arsenal.Elneny was set to become a free agent before the Gunners opted to re-sign the 29-year-old on a one-year deal with the option of a further 12 months."

Mikel Arteta has been Elneny’s saving grace at Arsenal

Since Arteta was named as the manager of the North London club, Elneny’s role in the team was restored. During the time of the previous manager, Unai Emery, he found himself on the loan list. In 2019-2020, he was sent out on loan to Besiktas.

This was seen as a signal that this is the end of his Gunners career and the loan move would eventually turn into a permanent one away. But Arteta knew what is needed to push the club forward and Mohamed Elneny is part of that plan for the near and foreseeable future.

Mohamed Elneny was quite delighted to sign a new contract with Arsenal:

"I love this club and I feel part of this family. I want to continue at this amazing club, in this amazing family. I’m very excited for the future,” said Elneny, who has 93 international caps.(Via: bbc.com)"

The player is happy to stay put and build on an impressive season. He will want to rack up as many appearances as he can and add to his 147 games. Another aspect of his game he will want to improve on is his passing into the final third and his contribution to the team with goals and assists.

If he can get this to enhance next season, he should be the first name on Mikel Arteta’s team return and could be in line for yet another extension at the end of next season.