Mohamed Elneny could be on the verge of an Arsenal exit after agreeing personal terms with Galatasaray.

According to Sporx, Galatasaray are closing in on the capture of Mohamed Elneny from Arsenal. The midfielder has apparently agreed personal terms in principle with the Turkish outfit, which is set to begin talks with Arsenal over the transfer fee next week.

Galatasaray are hoping to secure a deal to sign Elneny for the upcoming January transfer window. The general feeling around the club is very positive, even though they have identified Felipe Melo as a potential alternative if things go south. The move is likely to be permanent as Elneny’s current contract at Emirates expires at the end of the season.

Although the report doesn’t cover the exact nature of the deal, it won’t be surprising to see the Egyptian terminate his contract through mutual agreement. The former FC Basel starlet had played in the Turkish Super Lig for a year during his loan spell at Besiktas. He enjoyed quite a successful stint, featuring in 27 matches before returning to the Emirates last summer.

Mikel Arteta was willing to try his luck with the 29-year-old, especially during the early parts of the 2020/21 campaign. But the midfielder failed to make a lasting impression, while the arrival of Thomas Partey saw him fall down the pecking order.

No Turkey switch for Elneny (Photo by Ozan Kose/AFP/Getty Images)
Set for a return to Turkey? (Photo by Ozan Kose/AFP/Getty Images)

Elneny ended the campaign with 23 league appearances, only 17 of which were starts. This season, the midfielder has fallen further down the line, especially after the capture of Albert Sambi Lokonga.

Although Arsenal don’t have a great deal of depth in midfield, Elneny has been largely used as a cup player for Arteta. He was recently involved in the 2-0 win over Leeds United in the Carabao Cup, even producing a diligent performance in the middle of the park, alongside Ainsley Maitland-Niles.

However, with the Gunners actively looking for midfield reinforcement options, including soon-to-be free agent Denis Zakaria, Elneny’s chances of breaking into the first team are fairly limited.

A move to Galatasaray could thus make a world of sense for the Egyptian international, as he seeks to revive his career in the Super Lig once again. The player has had success in the league with Besiktas, and under Fateh Terim, he will be hoping to become a key figure in helping the team perform well and qualify for the Champions League

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