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Arsenal midfielder, Mohamed Elneny, has penned a new contract extension at the club that will keep him in North London until the summer of 2024. The Egyptian’s previous deal was due to expire in a few months’ time but he has now committed another year of his career to Arsenal.
Elneny first moved to Arsenal back in 2016 and is currently the club’s longest-serving player. He has made a total of 155 appearances for the club across his seven years at the Emirates Stadium and has scored six goals.
The midfielder has been a peripheral figure this season, only featuring eight times across all competitions although he has been battling injury problems. It was expected that he would leave the club in the summer to pursue first-team opportunities elsewhere but he has now seemingly accepted a role as a squad player for another year.
Upon signing his new deal, Elenny said:
“I’m so happy, I love this club and our supporters so much and I’ll give everything to help us be the best we can be, every day I’m here. It makes me so proud to have represented this amazing club since 2016. The spirit and togetherness we have in our squad right now is so positive and I’m so happy I have extended my contract.”
Will he play a part again this season?
The 30-year-old hasn’t played a game for the Gunner since their FA Cup third-round win against Oxford United. After the cup game, he suffered a serious knee injury training ahead of the North-London derby.
Elnenny has subsequently undergone surgery on his right knee with the club announcing at the time that he would be sidelined for an “extended” period. With no further updates on his progress, it is unknown whether he will play again this season or whether his rehab is focused solely on being fit for the start of the 2023/24 season.
A new chapter begins in my journey with Arsenal. I just signed a new contract 😍 Arsenal for me isn’t just a club I joined 7 years ago, which makes me the longest serving player currently ☺️ Arsenal is home, family, happiness, growth, and ambition. My Arsenal family, I love you♥️ pic.twitter.com/yOTw48O2xN
— Mohamed ELNeny (@ElNennY) February 21, 2023
An indication that his injury has ruled him out for the season is the signing of Jorginho. Up until Elnenny’s training ground injury, it looked as if Mikel Arteta was happy to end the current campaign with his existing group. However, he injury seemingly sent the club into the transfer market for a midfielder.
With Thomas Partey also injured, the signing of Jorginho is looking more pivotal by the week. The ex-Chelsea man played a huge role in Arsenal’s comeback win against Aston Villa at the weekend. It was his long-range effort that deflected off Emi Martinez which gave Arsenal the lead in stoppage time.
Elnenny’s future position in the Arsenal squad
Elnenny will know that he is unlikely to ever be a first-choice central midfielder in the Arsenal team but he can still provide Mikel Arteta with plenty of experience and leadership. He is a senior player at Egypt and will command the respect of the Arsenal dressing room as the club’s longest-serving player.
On the pitch, he will be used as a rotation option when other players need a rest. He is a tireless player whose lack of technical qualities can be made up for by his work ethic and desire.
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