Newcastle United have scouted Mohamed Elneny extensively, and they could look to sign him on a loan deal in the January window.

The Telegraph report that Newcastle United look less likely to bring in a midfielder on a permanent deal this month, following the success of Joelinton in a midfield role. But they could still sign a midfielder on loan.

Eddie Howe is reportedly keen on a defensive midfielder, and Harry Winks looks to be off the table after playing his way back into the Spurs side.

That’s opened up a door for Mohamed Elneny, who Newcastle have already scouted extensively and who could be available on loan.

But Elneny isn’t the only option. Newcastle are also considering more ambitious targets, such as bringing Georginio Wijnaldum back from PSG on loan.

It’s unlikely to be a huge boost to Arsenal to send Elneny out on loan. The Egypt international’s contract expires in the summer anyway, so it would only mean a few months of saved wages and a potential loan fee.

Elneny is also away at the Africa Cup of Nations right now, so he’s not going to play for Arsenal or Newcastle this month, and finalising a loan could be a little complicated.

On the other hand, the 29-year-old has been a patient servant to the club for a few years now, and has quietly settled for another season of occasional minutes this campaign. He’s played 170 of Arsenal’s 1,800 available league minutes in 2021/22 – under 10%.

If Elneny has the chance to start a new chapter in Newcastle, Arsenal should at least give him the option to pursue the possibility.