Mohamed Elneny is once again a wanted man in Turkey as he appears to push for a departure from Arsenal in the January transfer window.
Elneny was the subject of interest from Turkey last month, due to the Super Lig’s transfer window lasting longer than the Premier League’s. Both Besiktas – whom he previously spent time on loan with – and Galatasaray were keen to strike a deal.
Ultimately, neither were able to get their man, who thus entered the final year of his Arsenal contract. But having only played twice since – 90 minutes in the EFL Cup and 45 minutes in the Premier League – Elneny is now considering his future.
The 29-year-old has fallen down the pecking order at the Emirates Stadium, despite making 41 appearances in all competitions last term. It was the busiest season of his Arsenal career, but it seems unlikely he will match it this year.
After the arrival of Albert Sambi Lokonga in the summer, there is more competition for places in the Arsenal midfield. Even with Granit Xhaka facing a spell out on the sidelines, there isn’t much space for Elneny.
The Egypt international is thus considering his future. It was recently claimed that both Elneny and Ainsley Maitland-Niles could ask to leave in January. While Arsenal still want to keep the latter, despite his dissatisfaction, they could be willing to let Elneny go.
Given he is approaching the end of his contract, January would be their last chance to get a fee for him, even if it was minimal.
And Elneny will have suitors. It has been revealed by Fanatik in Turkey that Galatasaray still want to sign him.
Galatasaray coach desperate for Elneny
Midfield is a priority area for the Istanbul-based side to strengthen. In fact, their coach Fatih Terim has reportedly “demanded” they sign Elneny in January. The club are thus “determined” to grant him his wish.
From the player’s perspective, earning regular gametime would be preferable to his current situation. Galatasaray are willing to further win him over by offering a salary worth just under €2m per season.
They have reportedly been in contact with Elneny himself and it seems he would be open to joining them.
The terms of the transfer between the two clubs, though, must yet be determined. The report speculates Elneny could rip up the final six months of his contract to join Galatasaray on a free.
Whether Arsenal would be willing to agree to that remains to be seen. Although they have released several other unwanted players before the ends of their contracts in recent years.
Elneny has not set foot on the pitch for them since August, so clearly does not feature prominently in their plans.
