Report: Besiktas want to keep Arsenal man Mo Elneny on loan for another season

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Turkish Football have claimed that Besiktas are keen to keep Arsenal midfielder Mo Elneny for another season come the summer, as the debt-ridden club are unable to buy the Egyptian midfielder permanently.

Elneny, 27, plummeted down the pecking order at Arsenal last season under Unai Emery and that saw the Spanish boss choose to loan him out – especially after the signing of Dani Ceballos. It saw Elneny move to Turkey with Besiktas.

He has since impressed in the SuperLig, clocking up 27 appearances in all competitions despite a red card on his debut. One of the first names on the team sheet, discussions are being had surrounding his £15.7million permanent clause.

Besiktas, who paid £1.5million to land Elneny for a season, are unable to afford his permanent clause. However, they want to keep Elneny and another year’s loan could be agreed. Loris Karius is coming to the end of his two-year loan with the club.

TBR’s view – Should Arsenal let Elneny go for another year?

It is a difficult decision. Elneny has impressed during 2019-20 and is likely to have suitors this summer, some who could be willing to meet the permanent clause in his Besiktas deal – that the Turkish side cannot afford.

However, his form may tempt Mikel Arteta, who is likely to be on the lookout for a new central midfielder and has been linked with Pape Gueye, Mady Camara and Thomas Partey. He has a contract until the summer of 2022.