Arsenal are in need of a new midfielder, but Mikel Arteta may have stumbled across a short-term solution as the Gunners hone in on the top four.
Gabriel and Rob Holding were the unlikely heroes on Sunday as Arsenal beat West Ham 2-1 at the London Stadium, meaning that they are just four games away from a spot in next season's Champions League. But when both Thomas Partey and Kieran Tierney picked up injuries earlier this year, it looked as though their hopes of finishing in the top four were over.
Just as they did when they lost three consecutive league games against Crystal Palace, Brighton and Southampton, until a tactical change was made. And that alteration may have made all the difference, and given Arteta a new midfield option in the process.
It may have been the centre-back partnership that stole all three points against West Ham, but it was Mohamed Elneny that was receiving a lot of praise online from surprised Arsenal fans. The Egyptian has been linked with a move away in each of the past two transfer windows, but it's a good job for Arteta that he stayed.
Elneny watched on from the bench as Arsenal lost three straight league games, and handed Tottenham fourth spot. But Elneny has played every minute in the Premier League since, and the Gunners have taken maximum points.
And arguably, their success has come against much harder opponents, as Elneny was first drafted in to face Chelsea at Stamford Bridge. He passed that test, and was rewarded with a start against Manchester United.
Arsenal cruised against the Red Devils too, and Elneny shone against West Ham on Sunday, as the Gunners have completed a miraculous turnaround. Elneny now can't be dropped, in a bizarre U-turn from a star that was all but certain to leave the club in the summer, and then in January.
Elneny was linked with moves to Turkey, but the likes of Besiktas and Fenerbahce both pulled out at the last minute. However, after stepping up in Partey's absence, there's speculation that he may be given a new deal.
His contract expires in just two months, but according to The Independent, the star would reportedly 'love' to sign a new deal, and Arsenal are considering offering a new short-term contract after a major rethink. Arsenal have been targeting a new midfielder, and were unsuccessful in their pursuit of Bruno Guimaraes in January.
Arsenal have also been linked with an ambitious move for Wolves star Ruben Neves, but Elneny has emerged as the perfect short-term solution for his recent performances. And with Granit Xhaka's rollercoaster relationship with the club, and Partey's injury record, it appears to be a no brainer.
Former Arsenal striker Kevin Campbell has backed Elneny and believes that he is part of the 'furniture' at the club, as he told Football Insider : "Any time he gets a call, he grafts hard and knows the position. He never lets anybody down.
"Elneny has been at the club a long time now so he should feel comfortable. It is his club. He should feel part of the furniture. He is waiting to see if the club will offer him something. Every team needs a player like Elneny. He works hard and does a job whenever called upon.
"He is not a moments problem either which is a plus. You can seen that he is a good pro. I’m sure Arteta will be thinking about keeping him. They have to keep some continuity within the squad."
Elneny may not be the calibre of player that Arteta is targeting for the future, but he's a solid utility player to have around. And there was clearly a reason why he was brought to the club by Arsene Wenger in the first place.
The Egyptian loves the club, and his recent performances have shown that he still has the quality to do a job in the Arsenal midfield. And if Arsenal make the Champions League, his efforts should not be forgotten, and a new short-term deal would be the perfect touch of gratitude.
