Arsenal

Arsenal

Premier League • England

Mohamed Elneny signs new Arsenal contract as Arteta, Edu glad not to be losing ‘incredible’ traits

Mohamed Elneny, Newcastle v Arsenal May 2022

Arsenal have announced that Mohamed Elneny has signed a new contract, extending his stay until at least the end of next season.

The Egypt midfielder’s future has been unclear after he entered the final year of his previous terms this term. Midfield therefore emerged as a key priority for Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta to sort out.

And the Gunners cleared up the doubt over Elneny on Wednesday by confirming the 29-year-old’s new deal.

Elneny has signed an initial 12-month extension with the option of an extra year.

“I love this club and I feel like part of this family,” the midfielder told Arsenal’s official website.

“I want to continue at this amazing club and amazing family and I’m very happy and very excited for the future.”

Elneny also confirmed that he wants to finish his career at the Emirates Stadium.

“I feel like when you play in one of the biggest teams in the world and you have an amazing family and the fans are really amazing as well – they make me feel special,” he said.

“You feel like you are special for this club and this club is special for you. Of course, I want to stay here until I finish my career actually.”

Arteta lauds Elneny, Arsenal deal

Arteta added that Elneny is a vital part of the Arsenal team, both on and off the pitch.

“Mo is a really important part of the team,” the manager said. “He brings endless energy, enthusiasm and commitment to the team and is loved by everyone.

“He’s an important player for us on and off the pitch, a real role model to our younger players and I’m delighted he’s staying.”

Technical director Edu added that Elneny’s “incredible mentality” serves the group well and can help Arsenal progress.

Arsenal contract key for progress

Arsenal midfielder Mohamed Elneny

Elneny has only played 17 times this season as he has had to settle for a role on the bench for most of the season.

Indeed, Granit Xhaka and Thomas Partey is Arteta’s preferred midfield duo.

However, there is no doubting the importance of Elneny in Arteta’s eyes.

Elneny wants to stay at Arsenal and isn’t worried about playing time

Elneny wants to stay at Arsenal and isn’t worried about playing time

Arsenal midfielder Elneny is happy to stay at Arsenal and isn’t bothered about regular game time

In fact, Arteta brought him back in from the cold when he arrived at Arsenal after previous manager Unai Emery did not rate him.

Elneny has therefore had to fight for his place and is a key ally in the dressing room.

Despite him not featuring as much as he once did, he has been with Arteta since the start and the manager has shown his appreciation for the new contract.