Galatasaray are stepping up their move for Mohamed Elneny, though his wage demands could prove problematic for the club.

LONDON, ENGLAND - OCTOBER 26: Mohamed Elneny of Arsenal gives instructions during the Carabao Cup Round of 16 match between Arsenal and Leeds United at Emirates Stadium on October 26, 2021 in London, England. (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND: Mohamed Elneny of Arsenal gives instructions during the Carabao Cup Round of 16 match between Arsenal and Leeds United at Emirates Stadium on October 26, 2021. (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images)

Vatan (via Sport Witness) report that Arsenal are desperate to get Mohamed Elneny off their books, and Galatasaray have stepped up their contact with the midfielder.

The major stumbling block is Elneny’s wages, with Galatasaray unable to pay the €3m yearly salary he’s asking for.

Mikel Arteta addressed the issue of Elneny’s contract situation at Arsenal in his most recent press conference, but he refused to get into the details.

“I cannot go into that,” Arteta said. “I’m really happy with Mo. I will not be discussing the individual fates of the players as it’s not the time to do so.”

Another Turkish outlet, Fanatik, recently reported that Mohamed Elneny has given the green light to a transfer to Galatasaray.

The club are looking for a new defensive midfielder, and Elneny is the player closest to a move right now.

Galatasaray are hoping to sign Elneny without paying a fee, though it’s not clear whether that means in January or the summer.

Arsenal's Gabriel Martinelli right celebrates with Mohamed Elneny after scoring their side's second goal of the game during the Premier League match at Selhurst Park, London. Picture date: Wednesday, May 19, 2021. Copyright: Facundo Arrizabalaga
Arsenal’s Gabriel Martinelli right celebrates with Mohamed Elneny after scoring their side’s second goal of the game during the Premier League match at Selhurst Park, London. Picture date: Wednesday, May 19, 2021. Copyright: Facundo Arrizabalaga

Elneny’s deal expires in June, so the Turkish side are able to agree a pre-contract agreement for a free transfer in the summer. But they may be looking at Arsenal’s deal with Fenerbahce for Mesut Ozil and hoping they can get the midfielder in earlier than that.

Turkish outlet Fotomac recently reported that Galatasaray are desperate for a new midfielder, which would force them into the transfer market in January.

Elneny was linked to Galatasaray in the latter stages of the summer transfer window, and he continues to struggle for any minutes at all with Arsenal.

But unless a transfer happens right at the start of January, or Egypt exit AFCON early, Elneny would need to be negotiating his transfer during the international competition – which lasts from January 9th to February 6th.