Mohamed Elneny set for talks as Arsenal transfer masterstroke mooted – pundit
Arsenal could save millions in the transfer market by handing “incredible” midfield backup Mohamed Elneny a new contract this summer, according to Noel Whelan.
The former Leeds striker, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, claimed the 29-year-old will be in the minds of the Gunners hierarchy.
Elneny, who is out of contract in June, has started Arsenal’s last two games after an injury to first-choice star Thomas Partey.
As quoted by The Independent (24 April), the Egyptian confirmed he would remain at the Emirates Stadium if offered the chance – even without assurances on his level of first-team involvement.
The Gunners, who currently have just four senior central midfielders, are likely to have a bloated fixture list next term due to European qualification.
Whelan insisted keeping Elneny would be “a lot cheaper” than dipping into the market for a replacement.
“He’s showing the right attitude, and it’s incredible,” he told Football Insider‘s Ewan Kingsbury.
“It just goes to show the respect these players have for the club and for Mikel Arteta. He’s fighting for a contract at the moment.
“I think if he keeps on putting in these types of performances, then it’ll be something that will be spoken about at the end of the season.
“He’s been at the club for a while. On his day, he can really dominate a midfield.
“Keeping him around must be in the minds of Arsenal. They don’t have a huge squad, so doing just that would be a lot cheaper than bringing someone in to replace him.”
Arsenal sit fourth in the Premier League.
They face fifth-placed rivals Tottenham on 12 May.
In other news, pundit claims Alexandre Lacazette could be frozen out at Arsenal after ‘brilliant’ development.