Leeds United made an approach to sign Arsenal midfielder and Africa Cup of Nations finalist Mohamed Elneny, according to the player’s agent.
Speaking on Mega FM via Sporx, the Egyptian football official revealed that Leeds were one of many clubs to make an approach for the 29-year-old Premier League player.
Elneny’s contract with Arsenal expires this summer, yet despite numerous offers from the likes of Newcastle United, Olympique Lyonnais and Leeds, Mikel Arteta decided to keep the midfielder.
Leeds were one of many Premier League clubs to not make a signing in the January window despite the injury crisis that has plagued the Yorkshire side for the majority of the season.
And with Elneny set to leave in the summer, the AFCON runner-up could have been a smart signing for Leeds and Marcelo Bielsa, with the midfielder noted for his work rate and relentless running.
Yet a move was not meant to be, with the player’s agent saying: “We received multiple offers, but Arsenal rejected them all as Arteta still wants him. Lyon, Marseille, Valencia, Leeds, Watford, Newcastle, Besiktas, and Galatasaray all showed interest in Elneny.”
Leeds could have been an ideal destination for Elneny
As mentioned, one aspect of Elneny’s game that has won him plaudits wherever he has played is his commitment to keep running and making the midfield tick, which is what would have made the Egyptian a suitable player for Leeds and Bielsa.
Indeed, the Whites are regarded as one of the fittest sides in the Premier League, based on the Argentine’s methods in training which have now become the stuff of legend.
And for Elneny, who is set to leave Arsenal this summer, Leeds would have and could still be an ideal club to join after departing north London, with his style of play something that Bielsa will admire and love to have in his midfield.
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