Arsenal open to offloading midfielder?

Arsenal are open to offloading midfielder Mohamed Elneny with interest from Besiktas, Fanatik reports.

The Egyptian was a regular under manager Mikel Arteta last season, but there are doubts over his long-term future.

Contract talks were planned earlier this year, but the Gunners have changed their stance over the past few months.

Elneny is currently in the final year of his contract, and it is reported that the club are prepared to sanction his sale.

The Turkish transfer window does not close until September 8. Elneny could make his permanent return to Besiktas.

Elneny was previously on loan with the Turkish champions in 2019/2020.

The Gunners currently have Granit Xhaka, Thomas Partey and Albert Sambi Lokonga ahead of Elneny in the pecking order.

If Elneny leaves, academy graduate Ainsley Maitland-Niles could see more playing time from midfield this season.

Maitland-Niles was desperate to join Everton on loan for playing time, but Arteta blocked his potential deadline day exit.