Mohamed Elneny has started a charm offensive on behalf of Arsenal after revealing that the club’s players want Martin Odegaard to remain a teammate.
The Norwegian joined Arsenal on loan in the last transfer window and has become an important member of their squad.
He has grown in stature and has two goals from his last three matches for the club.
Arsenal would like to keep him beyond this season as he has already shown them why he should be retained.
It is a decision that has to be backed by Real Madrid, who doesn’t seem to have given up on him yet.
Elneny spoke about his younger teammate in a recent interview and claimed that the midfielder was captain material.
He hailed him for always talking and showing other players what to do. He was then asked about the prospect of Arsenal keeping the midfielder and he insisted that they wish he will stay beyond his current deal.
He told AGTV: “You always see him coaching players, outside of the dressing room as well. He talks all the time about the game and what we are going to do. He has the personality to be a captain.”
On his permanent stay, the Egyptian responded: “We wish, we wish, we wish.”
Largely will come down to pricetag. I’m not totally on the Odegaard train yet, espescially if he’s too expensive. Let’s keep seeing how things go the rest of the season. He’s beginning to find his feet which is nice to see.
He looks like a future star. Would be great, if we could get him.
Not easy, though.
If the young lad wants to force a move then Real will have no choice but re think their plans with him. He knows he will be replaced by big stars and game time will be limited.
He has 2years left on his deal, if he pushes we could get a season loan with the obligation to buy for his final year at a set price to suit everyone.
Madrid has stars and will buy stars they will just get as much for the young man a possible if he is intent on staying put and laying roots down at a club.
Last thing is our European involvement next season as I’m sure Martin wants to be playing in Europe, especially CL but he could be the gem to get us there and he may know it.
I would love this young man to come permantly instead of Aouer, coutinho or whoever we were linked with before! Him, Saka, Smithrowe & Martinelli could the future of Arsenals attack when Laca leaves.
Cruel I know but my wishlist is that Odergaard stays and Elneny goes. I can’t see what he contributes that another player couldn’t with more skill. Every club in the Championship has at least one Elneny.