Mohamed Elneny says he’s ready to sign a new contract with Arsenal if and when he’s offered one, with his current deal running down.

Chelsea's English midfielder Ruben Loftus-Cheek (R) vies with Arsenal's Egyptian midfielder Mohamed Elneny (C) during the English Premier League football match between Chelsea and Arsenal at Stamford Bridge in London on April 20, 2022. (Photo by GLYN KIRK/AFP via Getty Images)
Chelsea’s English midfielder Ruben Loftus-Cheek (R) vies with Arsenal’s Egyptian midfielder Mohamed Elneny (C) during the English Premier League football match between Chelsea and Arsenal at Stamford Bridge in London on April 20, 2022. (Photo by GLYN KIRK/AFP via Getty Images)

One of the more surprising positives of the last week of Arsenal action was the impact of Mohamed Elneny’s return to the starting lineup.

Elneny had only started one Premier League game all season before Wednesday night, yet he came into the team against Chelsea and Manchester United and his performances were a key element in both victories.

Elneny made three clearances, six interceptions, and three tackles on the defensive end across the two games, but he was also at his best in possession. He even ended the United game with an assist.

That spell of form has raised the question of Elneny’s future, with his deal expiring this summer. The midfielder says that’s up to Arsenal, as he wants to stay.

“If Arsenal say: ‘We want you’, I don’t think about leaving,” Elneny said. “It’s my family for six years. I love this club.

“I always love a challenge and give 100 percent all the time. I don’t decide who plays, but I keep going in training to show how good I am and to make him (Mikel Arteta) play me. If I don’t play I keep going until I get my chance.

“I’m really happy to be one of the starting XI for these two games. I gave everything in training to be one of the starting XI every game and I got my chance and I think I did well. Most importantly, we won the two games.

“The contract and stuff, I’m just waiting for the club to decide what they want.”

MANCHESTER, ENGLAND: Mohamed Elneny of Arsenal looks on during the Premier League match between Manchester United and Arsenal at Old Trafford on December 02, 2021. (Photo by Alex Livesey / Getty Images)
MANCHESTER, ENGLAND: Mohamed Elneny of Arsenal looks on during the Premier League match between Manchester United and Arsenal at Old Trafford on December 02, 2021. (Photo by Alex Livesey / Getty Images)

Fabrizio Romano recently reported that Elneny is expected to leave Arsenal this summer, with no talks to extend his contract as of now.

Football.London reported in February that Elneny was being targeted by several European clubs following his performances for Egypt at the Africa Cup of Nations. He’s previously drawn approaches from Fenerbahce and Besiktas.

In January, Elneny was drawing interest from Saudi Arabia for a potential free transfer in the summer, but it seems he’s now getting calls from Europe as well.

But perhaps these latest quotes suggest an alternative future for the midfielder.