Besiktas have made an offer for Mohamed Elneny, according to a report, hoping to conclude a deal before the Turkish transfer deadline.

Newcastle United v Arsenal - Premier League - St James Park Arsenal s Mohamed Elneny celebrates scoring their side s first goal of the game during the Premier League match at St James Park, Newcastle upon Tyne. Issue date: Sunday May 2, 2021. Copyright: Stu Forster
Newcastle United v Arsenal – Arsenal’s Mohamed Elneny celebrates scoring his side’s first goal of the game during the Premier League match at St James Park, Newcastle upon Tyne. Issue date: Sunday May 2, 2021. Copyright: Stu Forster

NTV Spor report that Besiktas have started their attempts to sign Mohamed Elneny, submitting an official offer to Arsenal for the midfielder. The outlet adds that Besiktas will add Elneny to their UEFA squad list if they can get the transfer done in time.

This seems extremely unlikely, as the squad list has to be submitted by the end of today. But even if they fail to complete the move by then, they could still bring Elneny in for their league and cup games.

On Premier League deadline day, Mark Mann-Bryans reported that there hadn’t yet been an official bid for Elneny, but didn’t rule out the possibility one could come in during the extra week the Turkish window was open.

Adrian Kajumba reported for the Daily Mail on the same day that Elneny was one of the players in talks for a move away from Arsenal late in the transfer window.

That followed a report from TheAFCBell that a Turkish club – not believed to be Fenerbahce – had made a late enquiry for the Arsenal midfielder. The Gunners are open to a sale if they get a decent permanent purchase offer.

I’d remain sceptical for now, as NTV Spor will be aware of all of the above. It’s always possible they’re simply guessing that the rumoured Turkish interest from a non-Fenerbahce club in talks with Arsenal was Besiktas – the team Elneny was previously with on loan.