Arsenal midfielder Mohamed Elneny has opened the portal for a new contract at the Emirates despite his limited game time for the club.
The Egyptian international played just over 600 minutes for the Gunners in the current season in all competitions. He has largely been a squad player over the years, the current one not being an exception.
Arsenal entered into April comfortably sitting at the 4th position but 3 back to back losses set them back, letting Tottenham momentarily surpass their position whilst Manchester United and West Ham closed in. With Thomas Partey injured himself in the Crystal Palace game, Albert Sambi Lokonga got a chance to showcase his talent in the Brighton and Southampton game but failed to capitalize on those chances.
In stepped Elneny against Chelsea and despite his limited attributes, played a pivotal role for the Gunners in the midfield alongside Swiss international Granit Xhaka which earned them a victory at the Stamford Bridge. Elneny retained his place in the starting 11 as Arsenal hosted Manchester United at the Emirates Stadium. Again, he put in a commendable performance and recorded an assist for the 3rd goal in the 3-1 win for his side, the lightning strike from Xhaka’s left foot that went past De Gea.
WHAT MOHAMED ELNENY SAID
Speaking to Mark Mann-Bryans of The Independent, he said:
“Of course. I always love a challenge and give 100 per cent all the time.
I don’t decide who plays but I keep going in training to show how good I am and to make him play me.
If I don’t play I keep going until I get my chance. If Arsenal say ‘we want you’ I don’t think about leaving. It’s my family for six years. I love this club.”
Various media outlets linked Elneny previously to Turkish clubs in multiple transfer windows. Most recently in this season’s January winter transfer window. Elneny’s never been vocal about his limited opportunities and there seems to be mutual respect between him and club management.
His £52,500 a week contract will expire this summer and might receive an offer that would let him stay at the club for a couple more years. Now that an open statement from the man himself is available, negotiations would probably be easy between both parties.
But despite his recent praiseworthy outings, it’s almost certain that his role will be the same as a squad player. Partey when fit will play alongside Xhaka and new signings are expected in the upcoming summer transfer window. Elneny is already challenged by the Belgian, Albert Sambi Lokonga for the pivotal midfield role.
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