Report: Olympiakos circling as Arsenal make Mohamed Elneny decision
Arsenal midfielder Mohamed Elneny is a transfer target for Olympiakos, amid reports regarding his future at Besiktas.
Greek newspaper Sportime is suggesting that Olympiakos have been tracking the Egyptian midfielder since January and are hoping to get a deal done in the summer.
It certainly seems as though Arsenal are open to a sale, according to reports in Turkey.
It is reported by Fotospor that Elneny wants to return to England amid a pay dispute with his current loan club Besiktas. Arsenal, however, are not interested in bringing him back.
BURNLEY, ENGLAND – MAY 12: (Photo by Alex Dodd – CameraSport via Getty Images)
A report from Aspor is claiming that Arsenal have told Besiktas that if they can convince Elneny to stay he is all theirs as the Gunners have no long-term plans for the player.
The Egyptian was signed by Arsene Wenger in a reported (BBC) £5 million deal from Basel in January 2016.
Arsenal’s former boss was a big fan of Elneny and spoke of the player to beIN SPORTS in glowing terms after Unai Emery decided to shift the midfielder out on loan to Turkey.
“Elneny is a very strong and active player. He’s a player with a modern style of play and that always gives his best for his team. Elneny is a very tactically-useful player.
“He is very active inside the pitch and what strikes me the most is how he protects his team.
“His input within the team is great, not in terms of goal creation because he’s not the type to have the final touch before the goal. But because of how helpful he is in the build-up. Elneny’s style of play adds protection to the team.”
Now it seems that Olympiakos are in the running to buy the player. Sabah reported that his move to Besiktas contained an €18 million (£16m) buying option for Elneny. However, given the current circumstances, it is hard to see the Greek outfit paying such a high fee for the player.
Instead, Arsenal are likely to try and push Elneny out on loan for next season and it seems Olympiakos will be at the front of the queue.
