Arsenal: Lokonga seems to have pushed Elneny down the pecking order long term

Well, it looks like Arsenal are keeping Mohamed Elneny for the time being.

The Egypt international is being linked with a move away from Arsenal.

Sambi Lokonga seems to have pushed Elneny down the pecking order long term, even though he played ahead of the Belgian midfielder in the 5-0 drubbing by Manchester City last weekend.

The 29-year-old has been tentatively linked with a move to Turkey, but Galatasaray won’t be signing him.

According to Milliyet, the president of the Turkish giants has personally intervened and pulled the plug on a deal to sign the Arsenal star.

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The report adds that a financial package of almost £13 million – including wages and agent fees – is the reason for Galatasaray shelving their interest.

SPECIAL

Speaking in 2020, Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta labelled the player as ‘special‘ but it’s clear that the Spaniard has lost faith in him.

As mentioned, Lokonga, who only has two Premier League games under his felt, is looking quite formidable already.

And with him being eight years younger than Elneny, it’s clear that the former Basel midfielder – who plays in the same position as Lokonga – is being phased out.

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