Arsenal have kicked off talks with Mohamed Elneny over the possibility of a new deal, according to the latest edition of David Ornstein’s weekly column for The Atheltic.
Starting each of the last four Premier League games in which Mikel Arteta’s men have picked up maximum points, the Egyptian midfielder has enjoyed a superb run in the first team of late.
Having joined the Gunners from Swiss giants Basel back in the 2015/16 campaign, Elneny is currently the longest-serving player in a vastly young Arsenal squad.
The 29-year-old’s deal expires this summer but Elneny has expressed his desire to remain at the Emirates Stadium when he was quizzed about extending his Arsenal stay even if it meant remaining a bit-part player.
Elneny told The Independent: “Of course. I always love a challenge and give 100 percent 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.
“I don’t think about leaving. It’s been my family for six years. I love this club. 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. I love this club.”
Speaking in the aftermath of Arsenal’s crucial 2-1 victory over Leeds United yesterday, Elneny refused to discuss his future, stating that qualifying for the Champions League is the immediate target for him.
“Everyone is focused on achieving the club’s objective which is to qualify for the Champions League,” he said. “The club will speak with the players regarding contract renewals in due course.”
Elneny and Arsenal are on course to secure a top-four finish as they currently lead Tottenham Hotspur by four points in the Premier League table ahead of Thursday’s heavyweight meeting between the London rivals.
