Arsenal Midfielder Not Planning To Leave In January: What Should Be Arteta’s Play Here? | OneFootball

In a recent interview with Al Hayat TV (via Milli Gazete), Arsenal midfielder Mohamed Elneny’s father revealed that the Egyptian talent is not planning to leave in January. He said, “Mohamed’s contract with Arsenal expires at the end of the season.

“The club does not intend to terminate his contract. His playing in the Liverpool match proves his coach’s belief in him and his abilities.

“It is difficult for him to return to Egypt during this period. The reports that El Ahly made a deal with him are completely false.”

Elneny’s Limited Role At North London This Season

The 29-year-old has found game time hard to come by at the Emirates Stadium after losing his first-team privileges to Sambi Lokonga this season. Elneny has featured in just five matches for the Gunners during this campaign, receiving a total of 216 minutes of playing time across all fronts.

The Egypt international has given a good account of himself in cup football after averaging 2.0 tackles, 1.0 interceptions, 0.5 clearances and 0.5 clearances per game in the EFL Cup. He has even been tidy when distributing the ball from midfield based on his pass completion rate of 86.1% in cup football (stats via whoscored).

BRIGHTON, ENGLAND – OCTOBER 02: Mohamed Elneny of Arsenal warms up prior to the Premier League match between Brighton & Hove Albion and Arsenal at American Express Community Stadium on October 02, 2021 in Brighton, England. (Photo by Steve Bardens/Getty Images)

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What Should Be Arsenal Boss Mikel Arteta’s Play With Regards To Elneny?

Elneny is a tough-tackling midfielder who can offer decent protection for his teammates at the back. He is always willing to go in for challenges and can make some crucial interceptions for his team at the centre of the park. The 82-time Egypt international is a good passer of the ball as well but needs to add a few goals to his game if he wants to earn regular top-flight football at the highest level.

Currently, Elneny is surplus to requirements at the Emirates Stadium as Mikel Arteta has often preferred to leave him on his bench. The Mahalla-born talent’s current contract with Arsenal is set to expire at the end of this campaign.

Hence, the Gunners should think about cashing in on him for a cut-price fee in January or else risk losing him for nothing next summer. Still, Elneny has got what it takes to find some form and help the North London club have a strong season, so Arteta should think about keeping hold of him for now and then, let him depart as a free agent in the off-season.