Mohamed Elneny’s father would love to see the Arsenal midfielder back at Al Ahly but, speaking to King Fut, he insists that a move from the Premier League to Egyptian football is unlikely to happen any time soon.
He’s been a busy man this week, Nasser Elneny.
A few days ago, the midfielder’s father seemingly ruled out a January departure from the Emirates Stadium, claiming that Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta still sees the 29-year-old as a key part of his plans – even if a lack of game-time in recent months suggests otherwise.
Some 24 hours later, Nasser then admitted that he would love to see his son return to the most successful club in Egypt at some point in the future.
Elneny came through the ranks at Al Ahly but failed to make a first-team appearance before departing for Al Mokawloon in 2008.
The phrase ‘unfinished business’ comes to mind then.
The chances of Elneny swapping one of the Premier League’s biggest clubs for a return too North Africa, however, look decidedly slim.
His £50,000-a-week wages are likely to be an obstacle too large to even for an Al Ahly side with 42 domestic titles in their trophy cabinet.
Does Mohamed Elneny have a future at Arsenal?
“It’s really difficult for Mohamed Elneny to return to Egypt in the upcoming period,” Nasser admitted.
“All that has been said on Al Ahly signing my son is not true at all.”
Elneny, one of Arsene Wenger’s final signings as Arsenal manager, has fallen behind Thomas Partey, Granit Xhaka, Albert Sambi Lokonga and a rejuvenated Ainsley Maitland-Niles in Arteta’s pecking order, making just his third Premier League appearance of the season during the recent 4-0 thrashing at Liverpool.
His agent, William D’Avila, admitted a few weeks back that Elneny was planning to leave the London giants during the upcoming January transfer window with Galatasaray his most likely destination.
Though it seems Arteta will not let him go without a fight.
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