Mohamed Elneny has confirmed he will be leaving Arsenal when his contract expires next month.
The Egypt international joined the Gunners from Basel under former manager Arsene Wenger in January 2016. He has made 161 appearances in all competitions.
Elneny was expected to leave the club last season, but the Gunners extended his stay for another 12 months after he picked up a significant knee injury.
The midfielder has now confirmed his departure on a free transfer.
In a video message on social media, he said: “You’ll be in my heart forever. I wanted to say how much I love you, how much you mean to me and I’ll never forget the way you support me.
“I’m going to see you on Sunday at Emirates Stadium to say goodbye face-to-face.”
Cedric Soares is also expected to head for the exit door on a free transfer.
The Portuguese has been with the club for the past four-and-a-half seasons, but he has largely been a fringe player with only 41 appearances in the Premier League.
Club graduate Reuell Walters will also be pursuing a new challenge elsewhere, having failed to break into the first-team plans under manager Mikel Arteta in recent years.
He wrote on Instagram: “Thank you to everyone that’s made this part of my career special. It’s been a pleasure playing for this club and I wish you all the best for the future.”
Arsenal are preparing for a busy summer transfer window. The hierarchy are expected to back the manager with another huge spending spree to strengthen the squad.
There could also be plenty of outgoings. Aaron Ramsdale, Eddie Nketiah, Emile Smith Rowe, Reiss Nelson and Fabio Vieira are some players who could attract bids this summer.
Ramsdale has been linked with a possible switch to Newcastle United. It has been reported today that the Magpies are prepared to pay £15 million to sign the 26-year-old.
Stats from Transfermarkt.com.
