New reports support the recent claim made by Mohamed Elneny’s father that Mikel Arteta wants to hold onto him until the end of the season.

The Athletic claim it’s likely Mohamed Elneny will leave at the end of his contract next summer, but not in the January transfer window.

According to the outlet, Mikel Arteta’s preference is to keep Elneny around until the end of the season for depth.

There’s been mounting speculation around Elneny’s future in recent weeks, with reports in Turkey suggesting Galatasaray are interested in him.

But as well as The Athletic, the player’s father has also suggested Arsenal want to keep the midfielder around to the end of his deal.

“Arteta wants Mohamed to stay. He might need him in the coming period so he will remain until the end of the season,” Nasser Elneny said (via KingFut).

“I hope that he will end his career at Al Ahly.”

Vatan reported last week that Arsenal were desperate to get Elneny off their books, and Galatasaray had stepped up their contact with the midfielder.

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

But multiple reports now seem to be denying that Arsenal want Elneny out at all.

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 certainly looking for a new defensive midfielder.

As Elneny’s deal expires in June, the Turkish side are able to agree a pre-contract agreement for a free transfer in the summer.

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