Sampdoria interested in signing Elneny on loan
Sampdoria are interested in signing Mohamed Elneny on loan this summer, according to Marco Conterio of Italian media outlet TuttoMercatoWeb. It is unclear whether the loan deal would include either an option or obligation to purchase the player next year.
Mohamed Elneny spent the 2019/20 season on loan at Turkish club Besiktas. The player scored one goal and provided four assists in 36 appearances for the club in all competitions. They showed an interest in extending Elneny’s stay at the club earlier in the season and the Egyptian midfielder was open to that idea.
A subsequent wage dispute between the 28 year old and the Turkish club derailed those plans and the on-loan Arsenal midfielder made the decision to shelve talks with Besiktas until his salary was paid in full.
Galatasaray and Trabzonspor are also believed to be interested in signing the former Basel midfielder on loan. They have both held talks with Arsenal regarding a transfer. Elneny is believed to be open to the idea of playing in Turkey next season as he has already played there for a year. Galatasaray are thought to be the more alluring of the two clubs due to their global appeal and the fact that they are located in Istanbul which is where Elneny lived last year.
The interest from Sampdoria might sway Elneny as the Serie A is seen as a more competitive league than the Super Lig. The Egyptian midfielder was very impressive in Arsenal’s victory over Liverpool in the Community Shield. Elneny could yet remain in North London for the 2020/21 season if he works his way into Mikel Arteta’s plans. Ahead of the Community Shield, the Arsenal boss was asked about the Egyptian. He said:
“I know Mo really well. I played with him, so I know what he can be and I know his strengths and weaknesses really well. He’s a really positive character to have around and he has some really good qualities as well and like anybody else.”
“In the moment that he is with us, he will be given all our support and the best possible environment for them to perform as high as they can. We don’t know [if he will stay]. The sixth of October is still too far, as I said. It’s pretty unpredictable to know what’s going to happen.”
Arsenal signed Elneny in January 2016. During his time at the club, he has scored two goals and provided eight assists in 90 appearances. He has two years remaining on his contract with the Gunners.
