Arsenal reportedly rejected as many as five offers for Mohamed Elneny in January, including one from Newcastle United according to the player’s agent.
Speaking on Egyptian radio station Mega FM via Fotospor, the midfielder’s agent, Alaa Nazmi, revealed that the 29-year-old was subject to multiple offers in January from European clubs, all of which Arsenal rejected.
Elneny is expected to leave the north London side in the summer, with the former FC Basel star’s contract coming to an end and Arsenal showing no sign of handing the midfielder fresh terms.
The Egyptian international has been subject to interest over the past few transfer windows. Yet just like previous times, Arsenal opted to keep Elneny despite his contract running out this summer. And his agent revealed that there were offers on the table.
Nazmi said: “Mikel Arteta rejected all offers for Elneny. He wants him to stay in the team. Newcastle were interested, as were Valencia of Spain, Lyon of France, and the largest Turkish clubs, Galatasaray and Fenerbahce, wanted to sign Elneny, but in the end, Arteta refused.”
Arsenal made the right decision to keep Elneny this January
It is clear for all to see that Elneny is set to leave Arsenal this summer. Yet despite this, Arteta and the club have made the right decision in keeping the midfielder even though there were offers for the 29-year-old in January.
Indeed, Arsenal have 17 games left to play this season, with each match essentially a cup final if the north London side are to qualify for the top-four, meaning squad depth is of the utmost importance, something that has become Elneny’s best trait.
Whilst the midfielder won’t be a starter, Elneny has provided important cover for Arsenal ever since arriving in 2016. And heading into the second half of the season, his qualities will be crucial for the Gunners.
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