Arsenal to block midfielder exit this month

Arsenal are prepared to block the departure of midfielder Mohamed Elneny during the ongoing transfer window.

Elneny spent the previous season on loan with Besiktas and it was suggested that he could leave the Gunners permanently in the summer.

However, that was not the case and it was Lucas Torreira instead, who was loaned out to Atletico Madrid for the current season.

Elneny has since been a regular in the Gunners' midfield and The Mirror claims that he will stay put for the campaign at least.

The Egypt international has never been a fan favourite, but he continues to remain a key player under manager Mikel Arteta.

His current deal expires in less than 18 months' time, but the hierarchy are prepared to wait until the summer to decide on his future.

Elneny has earned plenty of playing time during the first half of the season with summer signing Thomas Partey struggling with thigh injuries.

Partey is scheduled to return to training this week, but Arteta is unlikely to rush him into action after he suffered a recurrence of the injury last month.