Mohamed Elneny has ended speculation over his future by citing that he will remain at Arsenal for the current campaign. The 25-year-old was the subject of a £10m approach from Leicester City earlier in the transfer window, but he knocked back their advances in order to prolong his Gunners career.
Elneny has often been used as a backup to the likes of Granit Xhaka, Aaron Ramsey and Francis Coquelin, and he got his chance to impress in the Community Shield game versus Chelsea after both Ramsey and Coquelin were sidelined with injuries.
The Egypt international played an influential role alongside Xhaka at the centre of the park, and his push forward enabled the Gunners to make it 1-1 in normal time after Pedro’s rash tackle on him led to a free-kick – which was converted by Sead Kolasinac with a header.
Arsenal eventually won the Shield on penalties 4-1, and Elneny later admitted that it was his best game in the Gunners shirt as he sought to prove his worth to the north London giants.
He said h/t The Mirror: “There has been a lot of criticism recently and I wanted to prove that I deserve to play for a big team like Arsenal. That was my best game for Arsenal. Winning the Community Shield gives us momentum ahead of the new season.”
Meanwhile, Elneny also clarified that he will remain at the north London giants for the 2017/18 campaign, and is ‘100’ percent focused on his job, he added: “I am staying at Arsenal this season. I am 100 per cent focused and will give my best to the club day after day.”
Ramsey is doubtful to take part against Leicester City on Friday due to a minor muscle problem, and this could potentially see Elneny retain his place at the heart of the midfield.
