Besiktas are once again targeting a move for Arsenal midfielder Mohamed Elneny, according to reports from Turkey.
Turkish outlet Aksam report that Besiktas are looking to strengthen their midfield this summer, and they’re currently considering a loan move for Mohamed Elneny.
Elneny only has a year left on his deal, so the loan would take him to the end of his Arsenal contract, at which point he’d be free to sign for whichever club made him an offer.
Besiktas don’t want to pay a loan fee, but they’re willing to meet Elneny’s salary in full.
Effectively, their offer is to take Elneny’s wages off Arsenal’s hands, and they plan to present this proposal to the Gunners within a few days.
Elneny spent the end of the 2022/23 season out injured, though reports suggest he’ll be fit again for the start of pre-season for Arsenal this summer.
After that, there’s plenty of uncertainty around Elneny’s playing role in the squad.
Whilst Elneny is clearly a popular figure and a positive voice behind the scenes, Arsenal are looking to make multiple midfield signings this summer.
Even with the potential departures of Granit Xhaka and Thomas Partey, Elneny is probably going to find it difficult to get games.
When Arsenal extended Elneny’s contract in February, the move suited both parties.
The new deal replaced Elneny’s previous contract, which ran until 2023 with the option to extend to 2024, and it was on reduced terms, saving Arsenal some money ahead of the summer.
For Elneny, extending to 2024 on reduced terms took away the risk that he could be without a club next season, as Arsenal were unlikely to activate the option in his existing deal and his injury makes him somewhat of a liability to sign.
But with Elneny now fit and Arsenal seemingly on the verge of one or two moves for incoming midfielders, the situation has changed. A return to Besiktas for the Egypt international might make sense.