Arsenal set Elneny valuation after Galatasaray transfer agreement

Are we primed for an interesting climax to the international break? No, none of the Arsenal new boys have scored screamers and Gunnersaurus hasn’t released a smooth jazz album during the interlull.

Instead, there may be some very late transfer activity as the future of Mohamed Elneny remains a real point of interest despite the Egyptian ironically boasting no compelling qualities.

Failing to move on anywhere near the amount of players for assured financial reward as hoped – early predictions of £100m being recouped fell rather flat – with only Joe Willock bringing in money this summer, there may be one more opportunity to accrue something.

While the transfer window is closed for Premier League clubs it remains open for those over in Turkey.

Arsenal set Mohamed Elneny valuation after Galatasaray find transfer agreement with Egyptian midfielder to secure late summer addition

Elneny has been attracting documented interest from Besiktas and Galatasaray, with the latter pushing ahead with their attempts to sign the 29-year-old before the deadline. Mixed reports ranging from an offer being rejected by Arsenal to nothing more than concrete interest has emerged, setting up for a tense finale.

Over in the almost always unreliable Turkish sports media (you never know and the obligatory fist full of salt is urged), Takvim have stated that Galatasaray have an agreement in principle with Elneny that will see the midfielder earn €2.5m per year plus bonuses.

This came after the club initially pulled out of negotiations due to demands beyond their means.

All of which leaves it on Arsenal and the Super Lig giants to find an agreement. Opinion in split on whether or not it’s wise for Elneny to be sold this late with no replacement available and with such limited stock in central midfield, but Arsenal feel that they can make do without the former Basel man, it would seem.

The report states that the Gunners have slapped a €4m asking price on the Goal of the Season winner’s head, while negotiations between all parties continue to rumble on.

Galatasaray don’t have long. The window closes on Wednesday.

Excluding the depth in midfield and Elneny’s ability to at least screen relatively effectively, can Mikel Arteta truly afford to lose a player who can score three screamers per season? For a club that only nets well choreographed goals, the occasional thumping drive fits well into the season and breaks the mould.

We’ll have to wait and see.