The Egyptian midfielder has put pen to paper on a new long-term deal at the Emirates and will undoubtedly prolong his career at Arsenal in the coming years.
Arsenal have confirmed the news of Mohamed Elneny signing a new long-term deal to remain with Arsenal for the foreseeable future. The midfielder has been a good presence in the squad this season, and his impressive performances have gained him a new contract from Arsenal.
Signed from FC Basel for 5 million in January 2016, Mohamed Elneny hasn’t gone on to exactly become a first choice selection in the Gunners’ team. He has, however, become more of a valuable squad member with impressive performances to improve his reputation.
Elneny is thought to be a more defensive minded midfielder, but at times he has contributed wisely in attack. His performances this season has been restricted more to the Europa League and other cup competitions Arsenal played in, but in recent weeks, Arsene Wenger has used him as part of a midfield three for crucial games.
In getting Elneny to sign a new long-term deal at the Emirates, Arsenal have secured the services of a player who is only 25-years of age, with the best years ahead of him. Arsenal’s manager had a few words to say on the same lines.
He said, “People forget that Elneny is 25 years old. He is not 30 – he’s still a young player and his best years are in front of him.”
The manager was overall pleased by one of his valuable squad members staying put at Arsenal and talking about the change in how Elneny plays and suits the team.
“I will use him as a central defender in a three or midfield. He is a fantastic team player, and he is a credit to your country if you are Egyptian. He is a fantastic boy; we love him here.
Elneny started Arsenal’s pre-season brightly and played in positions of a central defender as well as a midfielder, and his displays have pleased Wenger, especially his versatility in playing different positions. But the changes Elneny brought to his game were imperative, as according to Wenger he was not that aggressive to suit the English game.
Elneny’s signing means other suitors can forget about signing him. Arsenal were reportedly interested in offloading him last summer as well as were thought to consider offers in the winter market. The departure of Francis Coquelin to Valencia and injuries to key midfielders in January ensured the midfielder stayed put.
But since then, his performances have seen significant improvements, leading the club to offer him a new deal. Leicester City were reportedly on his trail and were ready to make an offer for his services, although nothing materialised in the end.
Arsenal are yet to sort out futures of some key players, like Aaron Ramsey will be left with only 12-months at the end of the season, although have reportedly ready to make the Welshman one of the highest earners at the club. The other significant player would be Wilshere, whose contract expires at the end of this season and has not reached any agreement on a renewal, despite Arsenal offering one.
Elneny’s extension will likely help Arsenal have a backup option if other key members are to leave in the summer, but overall he has proven his worth to the Arsenal management as well as the fans and shown on the pitch that he can contribute.
