With his contract set to expire and game time hard to come by, it was almost certain that Mohamed Elneny would be leaving Arsenal at the end of the season. However, two impressive performances from the Egyptian have led to calls for the club to extend his stay at the Emirates.
Thomas Partey's injury provided a chance for the midfielder to start two games on the bounce last week as Mikel Arteta's side faced Chelsea and Manchester United in the space of just three days. The Gunners came out winners on both occasions and Elneny played a key role in the victories, possessing energy, composure and stability all over the pitch.
The 29-year-old's displays have left Arsenal fans split when it comes to deciding whether or not he should stay beyond this season, with the need to maintain strong squad depth at the centre of the discussion. Recently speaking to The Independent, Elneny said: “If I don’t play I keep going until I get my chance. If Arsenal say ‘we want you’ I don’t think about leaving. It’s my family for six years. I love this club.”
As the contract debate continues, we decided to give football.london's Arsenal writers the chance to explain what they think should happen with Elneny and why.
Chris Davison - The Arsenal Way Writer
If Elneny is happy with remaining as a rotational option, then I don't see the harm in offering him a one-year extension only. With European football likely to return to the Emirates in addition to the introduction of five substitutions next season, squad depth will be key.
The Egyptian has proven to be capable of coming into the side when required and putting in a solid shift. He is also at an age where he can offer experience and advice in a very young squad, especially with the likes of Albert Sambi Lokonga and Charlie Patino continuing to develop.
There's no doubt that a new central midfielder must still arrive and with the 29-year-old's comments in mind, this is unlikely to be affected. Players who remain loyal, committed and hungry no matter what their role is a rarity these days.
With it expected to be another busy and expensive summer for the Gunners, Elneny can enable the club to focus on more urgent areas of need if he was to stay.
Kaya Kaynak - Arsenal Writer
There aren't many players in the world who would have been professional enough to be ready to come in and star in two of Arsenal's most important games of the season after having essentially spent the entirety of this season on the sidelines. Mohamed Elneny has done just that and deserves credit for it.
READ MORE: Mohamed Elneny delivers honest verdict on Arsenal future amid contract speculation
While the Egyptian's character can't be called into question I'm not sure you can really offer him a new deal right now. He has been a decent protector in front of a back four, but his passing has been typically unadventurous. I think the more spread-out game states against Chelsea and Manchester United have helped hide this, but when Arsenal need a bit more incision against deeper blocks going forward I'm not sure Elneny is the guy.
Thomas Partey will inevitably get injured again at some point, and so the Gunners will want to look at finding some more backup for him this summer, but I think it makes sense to get that externally. It's with a heavy heart after how good a servant he's been over the past six and a half years, but I think it's time to say goodbye to the 29-year-old.
Bailey Keogh - The Arsenal Way Writer
Mohamed Elneny should certainly be given a new contract at Arsenal. He is a unique player in terms of his humble nature and is seemingly content with being a rotational option, which is rare for a Premier League quality midfielder.
Now into the last three months of his contract, Elneny’s impact on the team is now more important than any period in the previous five years he has been at the club. If the Gunners are to achieve Champions League football next season, then the Egyptian’s performances in the last week and the weeks ahead would have been key, and this is why it is crucial to keep him as a rotational option.
Arsenal will need to sign a midfielder in the summer transfer window, but even then Arteta’s side will still be short in numbers within the middle of the park. Xhaka’s future is still unconfirmed, meaning If he leaves Partey and Elneny would be the only experienced central midfielders, which is why it is important Elneny stays.
Giving Elneny a short-term contract will allow players such as Charlie Patino and Albert Sambi Lokonga to add the needed maturity to their game before they are given the responsibility of starting in the Arsenal midfield. Keeping the Egyptian at the club should be seen as a positive for Arteta.
Tom Canton - The Arsenal Way Writer
Mohamed Elneny should be given a new one-year extension. No more than the single year mind, and Arsenal adopting Chelsea’s pattern of one-year extensions for players beginning the season at the age of 30 and over should certainly take place.
Elneny embodies the personality of a player Mikel Arteta can count on. He has shown time and time again, be it against Chelsea or Manchester United, that in the moments where a calm head is needed, he can provide it.
Elneny staying does not hinder the ability of the club to strengthen the central midfield, nor does it block the path of a Charlie Patino or fellow midfield Hale End graduate. With European football set to return next season, Arsenal will have plenty of matches where Elneny will be used. Especially in the cup competitions and group stage.
It isn’t the same as extending say Alexandre Lacazette who is on more than double the Egyptian’s wages. He would be looking for more starts and would affect our ability to sign significant reinforcement in the striker role.
Arteta and Arsenal can rely on Elneny when needed without any questions around game time. These players, who can provide quality and commitment, are hard to come by. We shouldn’t lose it.
