Mo Elneny has reiterated his desire to stay at Arsenal beyond his current deal although he doesn’t yet know whether the club wants to keep him.
Six weeks ago, the idea the Egypt international might be offered a new contract was inconceivable, however, a run of five consecutive games covering for the injured Thomas Partey has reminded the manager and fanbase of his qualities.
Set to be a free agent in July, it’s been reported that Mikel Arteta wants to retain the midfielder’s experience as the club gears up for a return to European action.
While regular football at Emirates Stadium is far from guaranteed, Elneny is open to extending a stay that started in 2016.
“I’ve said before, if Arsenal want me, it’s my club, my family, but it’s not my decision,” he told Sky Sports. “I have to wait for them to say ‘Mo, we want you’.
“Since the first day I have been here, it has felt like a family. We really work like that here, it’s such a beautiful club.”
Elneny’s hard work behind the scenes and the patience he’s shown while on the sidelines this season has earned him a big fan in Arteta. It’s clear their relationship, which dates back to the boss’ playing days, is built on mutual trust.
“I always believed. I do my job, I let Mikel [Arteta] do his job too and respect his decisions. He always does the right thing for the team, that’s what I believe.
“Thomas Partey and Granit Xhaka were playing and doing really well, there was never anything to explain, I understood. I just knew I had to be ready, we work as a team and in football everything can change in one second.
“When you suddenly are playing and the fans can see you, when you feel you play well, when you’re winning, you feel that change. I’m really proud when I hear something good about me, and they see how hard I work for this club.”
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