Mohamed Elneny has signed a contract extension at Arsenal just days after his ability was called into question by Gunners legend Martin Keown.
The Egypt international has often had lingering doubts from supporters and pundits alike lingering over his head for much of his time with the club, but after a strong end to the Premier League season, the 29-year-old has been rewarded for his efforts with a new deal.
Not everyone will be overjoyed with the news, with Keown insisting that the midfield is an area Arsenal must look to bolster in time for next season. "The middle is where the club needs to strengthen, I think with [Granit] Xhaka, it is time for a change, I am not saying get rid of him completely," the ex-Arsenal star said on talkSPORT.
"I just feel if he is coming on and making a contribution in midfield, then he needs to get better and develop. [Thomas] Partey has been injured for long periods of the season, and [Albert Sambi] Lokonga has been deemed to be not quite good enough. Mohamed Elneny, is he the answer? So the midfield, that engine room is a key area which needs to be better."
Elneny could barely contain his delight, as he told Arsenal's in-house media: "I love this club and I feel like part of this family. I want to continue at this amazing club and amazing family and I’m very happy and very excited for the future." His sentiments were echoed by Gunners boss Mikel Arteta, who insisted the bit-part player remains a vital cog in his operation.
"Mo is a really important part of the team. 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," explained the Spaniard.
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Elneny has never managed to nail down a regular starting spot since joining the club from Swiss outfit FC Basel back in 2015. The midfielder recently discussed his journey back into the first-team after months in the wilderness.
"I trained well and played the first friendly game and scored a goal from the half way line - Arteta started to see, when he gives instructions I know what he wants. I can read his plan and I execute it to the letter. Any instructions, I swear, I execute it to the letter."
Elneny stepped up when his side needed him most in the wake of Thomas Partey's injury during the most important run of a season that ultimately ended in heartache for the Gunners after missing out on Champions League qualification at the hands of fierce rivals Tottenham.
