Ian Wright has urged Arsenal to offer Mohamed Elneny a new contract in the wake of two superb performances against Chelsea and Manchester United.
The Egyptian has so often been a lightening rod for criticism during his six-year stay at the Emirates but has come in for some justified praise for his efforts in two games that have helped Mikel Arteta's side back into the top four.
The 29-year-old has been thrust back into the thick of things after Thomas Partey's thigh injury and has shown little sign of rust despite making just one other start prior to the trip to Stamford Bridge.
Wright has claimed that Elneny is the type of player required if Arsenal want to start climbing the Premier League table while also becoming regulars in Europe once again. The former Basel midfielder's contract expires in June of this year.
"We are talking about players who came on who do a job for their manager with unbelievable professionalism," Wright told his Ringer FC podcast. "Elneny may be leaving at the end of the season, you look at that performance and the one against Chelsea, and you can only think to yourself that if Arsenal are trying to build a team to get to the top four, you need that back-up player.
"He has to stay. For him to come in in those two games, which were arguably two of the biggest games in Arsenal's calendar, those are massive games, and for him to come in – the last time he played was 2 December – and play at that level, you have to say hats off to him."
Though certain sections of the Emirates faithful may feel as if an improvement on Elneny is required, manager Arteta also clearly thinks very highly of him. The Gunners boss confessed that he pleaded with the Egypt international to stay at the club in January.
"It was more in January than in the summer and I think he understood that with the squad we had I could not let another player leave," Arteta said.
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"It’s a tough balance because, in the end, they are in a period of their career where they are looking to extend their football lives but at the same time, I thought he could be important for the team in the last part of the season.
"We’re going to have a conversation at the end of the season (about his future). I’m really happy with him, that’s all I can say." Elneny was the subject of interest from a number of European clubs, but has gone on record to explain how happy he is in North London.
"I always love a challenge. I don’t decide who plays, but I keep going in training to show how good I am and to make him [Arteta] play me," Elneny explained.
"And if Arsenal say 'we want you,' I don’t think about leaving. It’s my family for six years – I love this club. The contract and stuff – I’m just waiting for the club to decide what they want."
