Arsenal is on the brink of witnessing its initial departure in the January transfer window, as midfielder Mohamed Elneny is reportedly preparing to bid farewell to the Emirates.
The 31-year-old Egyptian international has encountered difficulty securing playing time under Mikel Arteta, making only one Premier League appearance this season and hinting at a potential return to his former club.
Elneny, part of Arsenal since his arrival from FC Basel in 2016, has struggled to cement a regular spot in Arteta’s midfield rotation. The emergence of other midfield talents, including Declan Rice, Martin Odegaard, Jorginho, and Kai Havertz, has seen Elneny slip down the pecking order, limiting his opportunities on the field and sparking speculation about a potential departure.
Despite his restricted role this season, Mohamed Elneny has been a faithful servant to the North London club, accumulating over 100 appearances during his tenure. Nevertheless, with his contract set to expire in 2022, indications suggest that the Egyptian midfielder might be seeking a new chapter in his career, potentially involving a return to a former club.
While the Mirror does not specify Elneny’s potential destination, the prospect of him rejoining FC Basel, his former club before joining Arsenal, looms large. Basel provided the platform for Elneny to showcase his talents before his move to the Premier League, and a return could offer him the chance for regular playing time in a familiar environment.
The dynamics of Elneny’s departure raise questions about Arsenal’s midfield strategy and the club’s long-term plans for the January transfer window. With the reported preference for other midfield options, it appears that Arteta is shaping his squad to compete at the highest level, potentially creating space for new additions in the central midfield area.
The impending departure of Mohamed Elneny, while reflecting the club’s evolving roster, also marks the end of an era for a player who has served Arsenal diligently. Recognized for his work ethic and versatility in midfield, Elneny has been a reliable squad player during his time with the Gunners, contributing defensively and offensively when called upon.
As the January transfer window unfolds, Arsenal fans will be eager to witness how the squad evolves and whether additional departures or arrivals are imminent. Elneny’s potential exit could signal the beginning of a reshaping process within the Arsenal midfield, with Arteta seeking to optimize his options for the remainder of the season and beyond.
