Galatasaray have made progress in their pursuit for Arsenal midfielder Mohamed Elneny and have an ‘agreement in principle’ with the Egypt international, according to Takvim.
The 29-year-old joined the Gunners back in 2016 from Basel. He has experience of playing in Turkey, having spent the 2019/20 season at Besiktas on a season-long loan. On his return to the Premier League last season, he featured in 41 games across all competitions.
Fanatik reported yesterday that Galatasaray and Besiktas have shown interest in signing the midfielder, but the clubs gave up their pursuit owing to the player’s high wage demands.
However, Takvim are now reporting that Galatasaray have re-established contact over a move for the midfielder. They have secured an agreement in principle with the player after offering a contract worth €2.5million-per-year plus additional bonuses.
Elneny’s contract with Arsenal does not expire until next year, and it is claimed that the club have demanded a fee in the region of €4million to release the midfielder. The Turkish club will have to strike a deal quickly with their English counterparts as the transfer window closes today.
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Mohamed Elneny has had a regular place in Mikel Arteta’s squad last season, but to be honest, he just isn’t good enough for a big club like Arsenal. He slows down the pace of the game when he receives the ball and lacks the ability to complete progressive passes. His defensive aspect of the game is not much better and the midfielder has been at fault for some goals the club conceded last campaign.
The Emirates club signed the Egyptian for a fee close to £5million. With just one year left on his contract, they are at risk of losing him for free next summer. They have recruited an exciting and young midfielder in Albert Sambi Lokonga. Offloading Elneny could open up more opportunities for the youngster.
Meanwhile, the Gunners are yet to secure a point in the Premier League this season. They sit at the bottom of the League table having conceded nine goals and scored zero. They take on fellow strugglers Norwich City this weekend and would be determined to secure all three points. UPDATE – The Turkish transfer window closed and the move didn’t go through
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