The Egyptian midfielder joined Arsenal in the January transfer window last year.
Arsenal’s Mohamed Elneny in action
Arsenal midfielder Mohamed Elneny has told DMC Sports that everyone at former club Basel was convinced the Gunners were going to sign teammate Fabian Schar.
The Egyptian midfielder arrived at the Emirates in the January transfer window last season.
He has since proved to be something of a bargain signing for Arsene Wenger’s team, with a series of impressive performances this year.
It seems he could have been the second player to make the move from Basel to Arsenal, though.
According to Elneny, everyone at his former club was convinced that defender Fabian Schar was on the way to London, even going as far to congratulate him on the move.
“All of us at Basel knew that Schar was linked with Arsenal and at every season’s end,” he told DMC Sports.
“We congratulated him as the move was close to completion, according to Schar himself. But afterwards, things changed quickly.”
“My agent told me that Arsenal officials came many times to watch Schar but they were impressed every time by my performances and development and they went on to sign me instead.”
Fabian Schar in action for Switzerland
Elneny’s focus now must be on trying to secure himself a permanent place in the Arsenal first team.
He has largely been used as a substitute since his arrival but that is down to the strength that Arsene Wenger has in the position.
He has impressed when given his chance and will be hoping Arsene Wenger is willing to give him a more starring role in the coming weeks, especially with Santi Cazorla out injured.
Arsenal’s Mohamed Elneny in action with Manchester City’s Kelechi Iheanacho
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