Besiktas have made Arsenal midfielder Mohamed Elneny their primary target as they strive to strengthen the core of Sergen Yalcin’s squad at Vodafone Park, according to Haberturk.
The 2020/21 Super Lig champions are desperate to add a midfielder to Yalcin’s plans before the market slams shut. Besiktas have already addressed their needs at striker with Michy Batshuayi joining from Chelsea and now plan to fix the engine room and land a defender.
Besiktas are closely monitoring Elneny’s situation at Arsenal, having entered the final year of his Emirates Stadium contract this summer. The Black Eagles aim to raid north London imminently to acquire the Egyptian, as he will not extend his terms.
Elneny spent the 2019/20 season on loan at Besiktas from Arsenal and featured 36 times in all competitions. He also scored once and laid on four assists, leaving a big impression on Yalcin. The Vodafone Park boss desperately wanted the 29-year-old to stay in Istanbul, and could now be reunited. Besiktas are even cooling plans to sign Fernando to target Elneny.
The Black Eagles agreed terms to take Fernando to the Champions League side this summer but are prioritising the Egyptian. If Arsenal allow his exit to avoid Elneny leaving for free in 2022, Besiktas will move for the 79-cap international.
Arsenal have spoken with Elneny over extending the £7.5m Arsene Wenger signing’s stay in north London, which began in 2016. But football.london reported talks stalled in July with no resolution in sight, throwing his future into doubt, supporting Haberturk’s claims.
Should Arsenal let Elneny leave for Besiktas this summer?
If Arsenal cannot agree on a new contract for the £52,000-per-week midfielder, they will likely not stop Elneny joining Besiktas. That is providing the Super Lig title-holders put a worthwhile offer on the table, otherwise Mikel Arteta could keep him.
The Gunners boss did not back Elneny in the absence of Thomas Partey against Brentford on the opening day. But Arteta fielded the 29-year-old 41 times last season across all competitions. He also spoke fondly of what Elneny brings to the Arsenal midfield last term.
Arteta said after beating Manchester United 1-0 last November, via the Metro: “What Mo transmits through the team is special. He has this energy as a person, he goes in a room and he creates an atmosphere. Today, I thought we needed that energy and that positive feeling he brings all the time and I think he was tremendous on the pitch.”
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
