According to The Sun (via Leicester Mercury), Leicester City are showing interest in signing Arsenal’s Mohamed Elneny.
The midfielder has moved down the pecking order at Arsenal following the arrival of Lucas Torreira and Matteo Guendouzi this season and has reportedly been placed on the transfer list.
It is believed that Arsenal are hoping for at least £15 million for the Egyptian international, but is he really worth the fuss?
Mohamed Elneny: Player profile
Elneny is an industrious central midfielder who is known for his excellent work ethic. Although he likes to move forward whenever possible, his energy in midfield makes him an ideal player, especially for a high-pressing team.
The Egyptian international is yet to make a single appearance in the Premier League this term, therefore, it’s difficult to compare his statistics. But, the former Basel midfielder has attained an impressive pass accuracy of 94% in the Europa League, which is only bettered by Sokratis in the said competition.
Indeed, Elneny has an excellent composure on the ball, which allows him to distribute possession even under pressure.
Most importantly, however, he can work around half-spaces, which makes him a valuable target for Leicester City while he also excels in providing the creative spark going forward.
Defensively, Elneny averaged two tackles and over one interception per 90 minutes in Arsenal’s Europa League campaign last season, which are decent numbers for a central midfielder.
Should Leicester really make a move for Elneny?
Mohamed Elneny could be an ideal signing for Leicester City for a number of reasons. The Foxes have lacked variety in midfield, with Adrien Silva and Vicente Iborra failing to crack the first-team, meaning Wilfred Ndidi is their only reliable option in the middle alongside Nampalys Mendy.
While Ndidi is proficient in breaking up play and making crucial interceptions, Elneny’s technical approach to the game will add an extra dimension to the Leicester midfield.
As mentioned earlier, the Egyptian international is excellent when it comes to distribution possession, which will not only strengthen Leicester’s ball retaining capabilities but will also help them revamp the support for their creative outlets in the likes of James Maddison and Demarai Gray in the final third.
Elneny can be deployed in the double-pivot alongside Ndidi with Maddison operating as the number ten. This will may enhance their efficiency in midfield as they look to make an impact in the second half of the campaign.
However, it remains to be seen whether or not will Elneny be willing to join the Foxes, having earlier rejected a move to King Palace Stadium last summer.
Stat courtesy: Whoscored