Atlético Madrid, steered by coach Diego Simeone, are reportedly setting their sights on Arsenal‘s midfielder Mohammed Elneny for a potential winter transfer.

Elneny emerges as a strategic, ‘low-cost’ option to enhance Atlético’s midfield line-up.

Atlético Madrid, under the guidance of Diego Simeone, is reportedly eyeing Arsenal midfielder Mohammed Elneny for a potential move in the winter transfer market.

The Spanish club, facing midfield challenges, sees Elneny as a ‘low-cost’ pivot option to strengthen their squad.

Elneny, currently sidelined for Arsenal with a hamstring injury, has had limited game time under Mikel Arteta‘s management.

According to various English media sources, Atlético Madrid view Elneny as a viable candidate to strengthen their midfield, potentially considering a loan deal until the season’s end, reminiscent of their previous winter window signings like Doherty or Mousa Dembélé.

Elneny’s Arsenal contract expires in the summer.

Simeone has reportedly been keen on reinforcing the team with a pivot since last summer, but financial constraints hindered any such move.

Now, with the winter market approaching, Simeone’s long-standing request could be fulfilled.

However, there’s a potential hiccup in the plan.

Elneny is set to participate in the Africa Cup with the Egyptian national team, which could see him absent for over a month.

This coincides with a critical period in Atlético Madrid’s season, including the Spanish Super Cup.

Upon his return from the Africa Cup, it is claimed in Spain that Elneny could be expected to play a more significant role in Madrid than in London, providing much-needed relief to players like Pablo Barrios, Koke, and Rodrigo De Paul.

February will be a crucial month for Atlético, facing a round of 16 tie against Inter Milan in the Champions League.

The acquisition of a player like Elneny, who has been on Simeone’s radar since summer, is seen as essential to achieving his goals of winning a trophy this season and making the last 16 of the Champions League.