Mohamed Elneny Set to Leave Arsenal as Free Agent: A Done Deal
In a surprising yet decisive move, Mohamed Elneny has confirmed that he is set to leave Arsenal as a free agent. The departure marks the end of an era for the Egyptian midfielder, who joined the Gunners in January 2016 from FC Basel for a fee of €6.6 million.
Career Highlights and Achievements
Elneny’s journey with Arsenal has been a rollercoaster ride filled with both personal and team achievements. Since joining, he has contributed to the club’s successes in various competitions, including:
- Winning the FA Cup twice (2016/2017, 2019/2020)
- Winning the Community Shield three times (2017/2018, 2020/2021, 2023/2024)
However, his tenure at Arsenal has been marred by limited playing time and a series of loans, including a stint with Besiktas in the 2019/2020 season.
Elneny’s career began in his homeland with El Mokawloon, but it was his move to FC Basel in Switzerland that put him on the European football map. During his time with Basel, he won the Swiss Super League three consecutive times and finished as a runner-up in the Schweizer Pokal for three straight seasons. These achievements caught the eye of Arsenal, leading to his transfer to North London.
At Arsenal, Elneny quickly became known for his versatility and reliability in midfield. His most notable performances came in cup competitions, where he played a crucial role in Arsenal’s FA Cup victories and their Community Shield triumphs. Elneny also helped the team reach the finals of the UEFA Europa League in the 2018/2019 season, although they fell short in the final.
Recent Performance and Statistics
In the current 2023-2024 Premier League season, Elneny has made three appearances, accumulating 25 minutes of playtime. While his on-field contributions this season have been limited, his overall performance remains respectable with a 7.0 rating. Last season, he featured in five league matches, clocking 109 minutes and achieving a 6.466 rating.
Despite limited game time, Elneny’s presence has been felt in various other competitions. For instance, he played in the UEFA Champions League, the League Cup, and the FA Cup this season, showcasing his adaptability and commitment to the team.
Arsenal’s Transfer Activity
Elneny’s departure adds to a busy transfer window for Arsenal, who have seen several players come and go. High-profile acquisitions such as Declan Rice from West Ham for €116.6 million and Kai Havertz from Chelsea for €70 million have bolstered the squad. Meanwhile, Arsenal has also facilitated the exits of several players, including Nicolas Pépé to Trabzonspor and Kieran Tierney on loan to Real Sociedad.
A New Chapter Awaits
As Elneny prepares to leave Arsenal, he does so with a wealth of experience and a decorated career. His journey from El Mokawloon to the Premier League and European competitions is a testament to his skill and determination. While the destination of his next move remains to be seen, it is clear that Elneny will bring valuable experience and a winning mentality to his new team.
For Arsenal, the focus will now shift to integrating new signings and continuing their pursuit of domestic and European glory. As for Elneny, his departure marks the end of a significant chapter in his career, but undoubtedly, a new and exciting chapter awaits.
