Premier League giants Arsenal have reportedly opened contract extension talks with 29-year-old midfielder Mohamed Elneny.

David Ornstein of The Athletic has reported that Arsenal have initiated discussions over a contract extension with midfielder Mohamed Elneny’s entourage. The 29-year-old Egyptian international is one of the three first-team players who have their contracts expiring this summer along with Alexandre Lacazette and Eddie Nketiah.

The report claims that with a spot in the UEFA Champions League nearly secured, the Gunners have started preparing for the 2022/23 season. Manager Mikel Arteta recently extended his stay with Arsenal until 2025, which allows him the space and time to mould the team to his requirements.

While there are no updates over possible contract extensions for Nketiah and Lacazette, that is not the case with Elneny. Arsenal have begun talks with the Egyptian international’s representative, and though the discussion is still in its initial stage, the Gunners are confident of convincing the 29-year-old to extend his stay. Elneny, too, is open to the idea of extending his stay at the Emirates.

The central midfielder has had a mixed six-year stint with Arsenal so far where he has see-sawed in and out of the manager’s plans. He even spent a year on loan at Turkish side Besiktas once his game-time at Arsenal dried out. In all, the 29-year-old has made 144 appearances for the Gunners, scoring five times and assisting 10 goals.

Arteta recently signed a contract extension with Arsenal. (Photo by Dan Istitene/Getty Images)
Arteta recently signed a contract extension with Arsenal. (Photo by Dan Istitene/Getty Images)

Until recently, Elneny was being used primarily from the bench. But an injury to first-choice central midfielder Thomas Partey has given the Egyptian a new lease of life at the Emirates. He starred in Arsenal’s wins over Chelsea and Manchester United and has since started every Premier League game for the Gunners.

Most recently, the 29-year-old was linked with a January move to Newcastle United but Arsenal turned down their approach. If the Gunners do manage to tie Elneny down to a longer deal, they will have an able alternative to Partey in the squad, even as they continue to look for a midfielder.

Also Read: Mikel Arteta: Arsenal deal a blueprint of measured success

The report by The Athletic claims that Leicester City’s Youri Tielemans is a top target for the No. 8 role at the club, and they have had initial discussions with the Belgian’s representatives. Tielemans enters the final year of his contract with the Foxes after the ongoing term. However, there is little clarity so far over his and the club’s stance on the future of their association.

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